“Excuse me. What’s the Wi-Fi password?”
Alongside “can I pay by card?” and “where’s the bathroom?”, this question is asked millions of times every day by customers at cafes and restaurants around the world. I’m one of them, often logging on to public Wi-Fi or a business’s internet connection for some idle browsing or to save on data.
Free Wi-Fi seems to be something that everyone likes, and yet it’s remarkable that in 2025 it remains one of the riskiest internet services out there. The issue is something of a conundrum because most people are well aware that they can fall victim to online fraud and hackers. We come up with convoluted passwords, shield our PINs as if they were nuclear codes and spend good money to protect our data and devices. According to Gartner, a tech business advisory firm, worldwide spending on cybersecurity products and services will soar to $213 billion this year, up from $193 billion in 2024.
But millions of people, me included, continue to log on to unsecured Wi-Fi. The consequences can be severe; according to cybersecurity firm McAfee, a quarter of travellers are hacked while using public Wi-Fi abroad and 40 per cent of people have had their information compromised while using a public Wi-Fi network. Even in the UAE, where high levels of internet use are to be expected of a youthful, tech-savvy society, last month the country’s Cyber Security Council revealed that there had been more than 12,000 recorded breaches of Wi-Fi networks since the beginning of the year.
Man-in-the-middle attacks, “evil twins”, packet sniffing – even the names of the different types of hacks that can happen over unsecured Wi-Fi sound ominous. So why do we keep logging on? Convenience, it seems, trumps safety concerns. Speaking recently to The National, Ivan Milenkovic, a vice president at the California-based IT security firm Qualys, said that it is Wi-Fi routers’ very openness that makes them insecure, adding that many of the networks found in airports and malls do not encrypt the data they carry.
There are plenty of reasons for this. Older Wi-Fi hardware can be costly to replace and an unaffordable expense for smaller businesses. Many providers may also assume that users know how to protect themselves online. In addition, more and more devices and digital gadgets connect automatically to the nearest Wi-Fi network, giving hackers extra opportunities to steal data or users’ login details.
Studies show that many of the people who frequently use free Wi-Fi are not those who can take the financial hit of an unlucky attack. US data has shown that many lower-income people or the retired rely on the Wi-Fi networks found in public libraries, for example. Similarly, figures released last year by DataReportal found that despite 195 per cent SIM penetration in the UAE, many lower-to-mid income residents without large mobile data plans relied on Wi-Fi in public venues. Teenagers, a vulnerable group, are also more likely to log on through the Wi-Fi networks found in malls.
Studies show that many of the people who frequently use free Wi-Fi are not those who can take the financial hit of an unlucky attack
There is no magic wand to update and secure millions of Wi-Fi networks overnight. However, there are steps that providers and users can take to mitigate the risks but more importantly, put Wi-Fi security back into the heart of the conversation.
Although some providers may not be able to spend money on the latest hardware, reminding customers on the login page that they need to be aware of their digital security while using the free service would be helpful, advising users to avoid logging on to their banking services for example. Providers can also make it clear what level of security is provided, allowing customers to make an informed choice. In addition, instead of having one, unchanging password for the whole network, issuing one-time access codes through text message – or even on receipts – can make connections more robust.
But it is the bigger providers who can do more because they have the resources to invest in encrypted networks that run on the latest hardware. Major hotels, airports and malls are also the kinds of businesses susceptible to consumer pressure. If users get in the habit of reviewing the security of the Wi-Fi on offer when they share their experience on sites such as TripAdvisor or Google Maps, it may send the message that decent Wi-Fi security should be an essential service not an optional extra.
It may be the case that technology will, eventually, address at least some of these issues. Satellite links, for example, could improve encryption by routing traffic away from local internet service providers, providing a direct connection to the Web that cuts out so-called man-in-the-middle hackers. Satellites could also provide safer Wi-Fi to rural or underdeveloped areas where the only connections are often unsecured. But this is an expensive solution and can’t change user behaviour, especially if customers carelessly insist on visiting risky websites or sharing sensitive information online.
Overall, when it comes to free Wi-Fi, businesses and customers alike need to adjust their expectations and try to perfect the balance between security and convenience. Next time I’m in the coffee shop, I’ll probably think twice about using the Wi-Fi … less screen time is no bad thing.
Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
How green is the expo nursery?
Some 400,000 shrubs and 13,000 trees in the on-site nursery
An additional 450,000 shrubs and 4,000 trees to be delivered in the months leading up to the expo
Ghaf, date palm, acacia arabica, acacia tortilis, vitex or sage, techoma and the salvadora are just some heat tolerant native plants in the nursery
Approximately 340 species of shrubs and trees selected for diverse landscape
The nursery team works exclusively with organic fertilisers and pesticides
All shrubs and trees supplied by Dubai Municipality
Most sourced from farms, nurseries across the country
Plants and trees are re-potted when they arrive at nursery to give them room to grow
Some mature trees are in open areas or planted within the expo site
Green waste is recycled as compost
Treated sewage effluent supplied by Dubai Municipality is used to meet the majority of the nursery’s irrigation needs
Construction workforce peaked at 40,000 workers
About 65,000 people have signed up to volunteer
Main themes of expo is ‘Connecting Minds, Creating the Future’ and three subthemes of opportunity, mobility and sustainability.
Expo 2020 Dubai to open in October 2020 and run for six months
Desert Warrior
Starring: Anthony Mackie, Aiysha Hart, Ben Kingsley
Director: Rupert Wyatt
Rating: 3/5
Habib El Qalb
Assi Al Hallani
(Rotana)
The specs
Engine: 5.0-litre V8
Power: 480hp at 7,250rpm
Torque: 566Nm at 4,600rpm
Transmission: 10-speed auto
Fuel consumption: L/100km
Price: Dh306,495
On sale: now
Who was Alfred Nobel?
The Nobel Prize was created by wealthy Swedish chemist and entrepreneur Alfred Nobel.
- In his will he dictated that the bulk of his estate should be used to fund "prizes to those who, during the preceding year, have conferred the greatest benefit to humankind".
- Nobel is best known as the inventor of dynamite, but also wrote poetry and drama and could speak Russian, French, English and German by the age of 17. The five original prize categories reflect the interests closest to his heart.
- Nobel died in 1896 but it took until 1901, following a legal battle over his will, before the first prizes were awarded.
BUNDESLIGA FIXTURES
(All games 4-3pm kick UAE time) Bayern Munich v Augsburg, Borussia Dortmund v Bayer Leverkusen, Hoffenheim v Hertha Berlin, Wolfsburg v Mainz , Eintracht Frankfurt v Freiburg, Union Berlin v RB Leipzig, Cologne v Schalke , Werder Bremen v Borussia Monchengladbach, Stuttgart v Arminia Bielefeld
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Infiniti QX80 specs
Engine: twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6
Power: 450hp
Torque: 700Nm
Price: From Dh450,000, Autograph model from Dh510,000
Available: Now
Opening Rugby Championship fixtures:Games can be watched on OSN Sports
Saturday: Australia v New Zealand, Sydney, 1pm (UAE)
Sunday: South Africa v Argentina, Port Elizabeth, 11pm (UAE)
WHAT IS A BLACK HOLE?
1. Black holes are objects whose gravity is so strong not even light can escape their pull
2. They can be created when massive stars collapse under their own weight
3. Large black holes can also be formed when smaller ones collide and merge
4. The biggest black holes lurk at the centre of many galaxies, including our own
5. Astronomers believe that when the universe was very young, black holes affected how galaxies formed
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Race card
6.30pm: Emirates Holidays Maiden (TB), Dh82,500 (Dirt), 1,900m
7.05pm: Arabian Adventures Maiden (TB), Dh82,500 (D), 1,200m
7.40pm: Emirates Skywards Handicap (TB), Dh82,500 (D), 1,200m
8.15pm: Emirates Airline Conditions (TB), Dh120,000 (D), 1,400m
8.50pm: Emirates Sky Cargo (TB), Dh92,500 (D)1,400m
9.15pm: Emirates.com (TB), Dh95,000 (D), 2,000m
Other acts on the Jazz Garden bill
Sharrie Williams
The American singer is hugely respected in blues circles due to her passionate vocals and songwriting. Born and raised in Michigan, Williams began recording and touring as a teenage gospel singer. Her career took off with the blues band The Wiseguys. Such was the acclaim of their live shows that they toured throughout Europe and in Africa. As a solo artist, Williams has also collaborated with the likes of the late Dizzy Gillespie, Van Morrison and Mavis Staples.
Lin Rountree
An accomplished smooth jazz artist who blends his chilled approach with R‘n’B. Trained at the Duke Ellington School of the Arts in Washington, DC, Rountree formed his own band in 2004. He has also recorded with the likes of Kem, Dwele and Conya Doss. He comes to Dubai on the back of his new single Pass The Groove, from his forthcoming 2018 album Stronger Still, which may follow his five previous solo albums in cracking the top 10 of the US jazz charts.
Anita Williams
Dubai-based singer Anita Williams will open the night with a set of covers and swing, jazz and blues standards that made her an in-demand singer across the emirate. The Irish singer has been performing in Dubai since 2008 at venues such as MusicHall and Voda Bar. Her Jazz Garden appearance is career highlight as she will use the event to perform the original song Big Blue Eyes, the single from her debut solo album, due for release soon.
More on Palestine-Israeli relations
HEADLINE HERE
- I would recommend writing out the text in the body
- And then copy into this box
- It can be as long as you link
- But I recommend you use the bullet point function (see red square)
- Or try to keep the word count down
- Be wary of other embeds lengthy fact boxes could crash into
- That's about it
Black Panther
Dir: Ryan Coogler
Starring: Chadwick Boseman, Michael B Jordan, Lupita Nyong'o
Five stars
Profile of RentSher
Started: October 2015 in India, November 2016 in UAE
Founders: Harsh Dhand; Vaibhav and Purvashi Doshi
Based: Bangalore, India and Dubai, UAE
Sector: Online rental marketplace
Size: 40 employees
Investment: $2 million
What can you do?
Document everything immediately; including dates, times, locations and witnesses
Seek professional advice from a legal expert
You can report an incident to HR or an immediate supervisor
You can use the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation’s dedicated hotline
In criminal cases, you can contact the police for additional support
Paatal Lok season two
Directors: Avinash Arun, Prosit Roy
Stars: Jaideep Ahlawat, Ishwak Singh, Lc Sekhose, Merenla Imsong
Rating: 4.5/5
Bullet%20Train
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2025 Fifa Club World Cup groups
Group A: Palmeiras, Porto, Al Ahly, Inter Miami.
Group B: Paris Saint-Germain, Atletico Madrid, Botafogo, Seattle.
Group C: Bayern Munich, Auckland City, Boca Juniors, Benfica.
Group D: Flamengo, ES Tunis, Chelsea, (Leon banned).
Group E: River Plate, Urawa, Monterrey, Inter Milan.
Group F: Fluminense, Borussia Dortmund, Ulsan, Mamelodi Sundowns.
Group G: Manchester City, Wydad, Al Ain, Juventus.
Group H: Real Madrid, Al Hilal, Pachuca, Salzburg.
The specs: 2019 Haval H6
Price, base: Dh69,900
Engine: 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder
Transmission: Seven-speed automatic
Power: 197hp @ 5,500rpm
Torque: 315Nm @ 2,000rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 7.0L / 100km
