According to Forbes, Google has issued a stark warning to 3 billion smartphone users telling them to “avoid using public Wi-Fi whenever possible.” The company says these networks can be unencrypted and easily exploited by attackers, with text-based frauds surging across the U.S. and elsewhere. The numbers are alarming—94% of all Android users are at risk from messaging attacks that Google describes as “a sophisticated, global enterprise.” This comes as 73% of users report being very or extremely concerned about mobile scams, and 84% believe these scams are damaging to society as a whole. Google issued this warning in its new “Behind the Screen” advisory for both Android and iPhone users.
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The Great Security Divide
Here’s the thing: Google‘s blanket warning puts them directly at odds with other major security authorities. The Federal Trade Commission actually says public WiFi is “usually safe” these days because most websites now use encryption to protect your information. They point out that while public networks were risky in the early internet days, “things have changed.” So why is Google sounding the alarm now?
Basically, we’re seeing a fundamental disagreement about risk assessment. Google’s looking at their data showing text scams have become a global criminal enterprise, while the FTC is focusing on technological improvements in web security. Both perspectives have merit, but they’re leading to completely different recommendations for everyday users.
The Practical Reality Check
Let’s be honest—telling people to avoid public WiFi is like telling them to avoid public transportation. For many travelers, business people, and students, public networks are essential. Hotels, airports, coffee shops—these are places where people need connectivity to function. So what happens when security advice becomes completely impractical?
The TSA actually gave similar advice earlier this year, telling travelers to avoid both public WiFi and public charging stations. But here’s the reality: most people will still connect because they have to. The better approach might be teaching people how to use public networks safely rather than telling them to avoid them entirely.
What Actually Works
So if you’re going to use public WiFi—and let’s face it, you probably will—what actually protects you? First, understand that the network itself isn’t necessarily the problem. The real danger comes from connecting to fake networks set up by attackers or from using unencrypted services while connected.
Using a VPN is your best bet—it encrypts all your traffic regardless of the network. Also, make sure you’re connecting to legitimate hotspots (ask staff for the correct network name) and avoid doing sensitive banking or shopping unless you see that HTTPS lock icon. Google’s own security blog offers additional protection tips that don’t require completely avoiding public networks.
The Bigger Picture
What’s really interesting here is that Google’s warning represents a shift in their security messaging. They’ve previously focused warnings on 2G cellular networks, which are genuinely vulnerable to interception. Now they’re expanding the alert to include WiFi, suggesting they’re seeing new attack patterns emerge.
The company’s text-based scams report shows they’re particularly concerned about messaging attacks that can happen over any connection. But is scaring people away from public WiFi the right solution? Probably not. Better education about specific risks and practical protection methods would serve users better than alarmist blanket statements.
At the end of the day, the FTC’s more nuanced approach makes sense—acknowledge that public WiFi has improved, but still advise caution. Because let’s be real: in our connected world, telling people to avoid public networks is like telling them not to breathe air in public places. It’s just not happening.
