A captive network is usually temporary Wi-Fi offered by organizations like airports or cafes, requiring actions like logging in, accepting terms, or sometimes payment for access.

1. Avoid it

This is a strange tip, but it’s better not to use captive networks and free wifi at all. Using mobile data from your phone is much safer. ‘Free Wi-Fi’ is generally not free; you are paying with your data. We appreciate it’s not always possible to avoid captive networks, particularly when travelling abroad. If you are staying in a hotel, follow these 10 extra tips.

2. Don’t hand over your details

Free wifi often requires you to enter your details to enable it, never give your real name or home location. If you have to provide your email address give them a ‘throw away’ email address.

Click here to learn how to get a throwaway email address.

3. Avoid Sensitive Transactions

Don’t access your banking, purchase anything or enter sensitive personal information into forms while using a captive network.

4. Use a VPN if you have one (not a free one).

VPN’s encrypt your internet traffic to protect sensitive data from being intercepted by the network in your location.

5. Assume you are being watched

Captive networks actively collect user data for analytics or marketing purposes. Read the terms and conditions to understand what’s being tracked.