People using free Wi-Fi in public places have been warned to protect their personal information and online accounts from cybercriminals.
Pakistan’s National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) has advised citizens to be careful when connecting their mobile phones, laptops and other devices to public Wi-Fi networks.
The agency warned that unsafe internet connections could put users’ private information and online data at risk, especially if they cannot confirm that the network is genuine and secure.
NCCIA shared the warning through a video message on the social media platform X.
مفت وائی فائی کا استعمال آپ کے ذاتی ڈیٹا اور آن لائن معلومات کو خطرے میں ڈال سکتا ہے۔ پبلک وائی فائی سے منسلک ہوتے وقت احتیاط کریں۔#NCCIA#CyberCrime#Awarenesspic.twitter.com/8OV6HT3N3o
— NCCIA (@NCCIAOFFICIAL) October 17, 2026
According to NCCIA, people should avoid accessing their bank accounts, transferring money or making online purchases through unverified public Wi-Fi networks.
Such activities may involve sensitive information, including account details and passwords.
Cybercriminals may try to steal this information through fake or unsafe networks.
It also warned that a familiar network name does not always mean the connection is safe. Criminals can create fake Wi-Fi networks using names similar to those of trusted businesses. Users may then connect to these networks without knowing the danger.
How to stay safe while using free Wi-Fi?
People are advised to ask staff members to confirm the correct Wi-Fi network name, and avoid entering sensitive financial information on networks they do not trust.
Using mobile data for banking and important transactions is generally a safer choice than connecting through an unknown public network.
Users should also disconnect from suspicious networks immediately.
NCCIA warns against keeping child pornography in phones
Previously, the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) also warned the public against storing or sharing child sexual abuse material (pornography), online harassment and sharing suspicious links.
NCCIA Additional Director and Lahore Zone Head SP Atif Ameer spoke about these concerns during a press conference.
He warned that anyone involved in cybercrime could face legal action.
He also said the agency was using artificial intelligence (AI) to identify illegal content and investigate cybercrime cases. The NCCIA is also working with relevant organisations to tackle these crimes.
Atif Ameer urged people not to save, share or forward child sexual abuse material.
He advised anyone who comes across such content to report it to the relevant authorities instead of sharing it with others.