The short answer: no, not really. But that doesn't mean you should flee every café with your laptop. It means you need to know what you're doing. The risks are real, and they're avoidable with a few simple habits. Here's what you need to know before connecting to the Wi-Fi labelled \"Cafe_du_Commerce_2G\".
What actually happens on an open network
A café Wi-Fi with no password (or a password written on a chalkboard) is an open network. Anyone connected to the same network can potentially intercept your traffic. This is called packet sniffing: capturing the data flowing through the network. The most common attack is the man-in-the-middle: someone positions themselves between you and the router and reads what passes through. Passwords, sessions, unencrypted forms — anything that isn't encrypted is readable.
What you can do to protect yourself
The basic rule: use a VPN. It encrypts all your traffic before it even leaves your computer, so even if someone intercepts the data, they see gibberish. Second habit: check that the sites you visit are using HTTPS (the padlock in the address bar). Most reputable sites do these days, but it's still a good habit to keep. Third rule: avoid sensitive operations on public Wi-Fi. Online banking, entering card details, accessing confidential client data — save that for a network you control.
Free or paid VPN: which to choose?
A free VPN is better than nothing, but it has its limits: reduced speed, overloaded servers, and sometimes questionable privacy policies. Paid VPNs (around €5 per month for Mullvad, ProtonVPN or NordVPN) are more reliable, faster, and more transparent about what they do with your data. If you regularly work outside your home, it's an investment that's well worth it. Some even have simple apps that activate automatically on unsecured networks.
Mobile hotspot: often the best option
Using your phone as a hotspot is often faster and much more secure than café Wi-Fi. You create your own private network, with a password only you know. On 4G or 5G, the speed is generally enough for video calls, emails and browsing. The only limit: mobile data usage. But for a two-hour work session, that's rarely a problem.
FAQ
Are coworking spaces more secure than cafés?
Yes, generally. Coworking spaces often have dedicated WPA2 networks, separate for clients and administration. It's not foolproof, but it's a significantly higher level of security than an open café Wi-Fi.
Is HTTPS enough to protect me?
No, not entirely. HTTPS encrypts the content of the connection, but not the metadata: the sites you visit remain visible. A VPN covers what HTTPS doesn't.
Am I really at risk in a café?
The risk exists, but it isn't constant. Most attacks target specific networks or specific individuals. Stay careful, use a VPN, and you'll dramatically reduce your exposure.