{
  "id": 1268402,
  "title": "Free Wi-Fi, Costly Trap: Maharashtra Cyber Warns Of Hacking, Financial Fraud",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/16/free-wi-fi-costly-trap-maharashtra-cyber-warns-of-hacking-financial",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-08-16T12:08:23.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Press Journal",
    "slug": "free-press-journal",
    "url": "https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/free-wi-fi-costly-trap-maharashtra-cyber-warns-of-hacking-financial-fraud"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Mumbai: Maharashtra Cyber Agency has released a warning about the dangers of using public Wi-Fi networks. The agency cautions that these free networks, commonly found in places like airports, cafés, and railway stations, are actually traps set by cybercriminals. These networks are often unsecured and can be easily exploited to steal sensitive data from unsuspecting users. Once connected to such a network, hackers can intercept all data traffic, potentially stealing passwords and financial credentials. This leads to unauthorized account access and financial fraud.\n\nTo protect against these threats, the cybersecurity agency advises several steps. Users should verify the exact Wi-Fi network name with the venue staff before connecting. Financial transactions should be avoided on public networks. Security measures like using cellular mobile data or a secure VPN should be employed. Auto-connect functions on smartphones and laptops should be disabled to prevent accidental connections to rogue networks.\n\nIn a recent incident, a bank's General Manager allegedly lost Rs 4.27 lakh due to a compromised phone after connecting to free Wi-Fi at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus. Anyone who becomes a victim of online fraud or notices suspicious activities is advised to report it immediately. Complaints can be made by calling the national cyber crime helpline at 1930 or by visiting the Maharashtra Cyber official portal at www.mhcyber.gov.in.",
  "summary": "Mumbai: Maharashtra Cyber has issued a public advisory warning citizens against the severe security risks associated with using open public Wi-Fi networks. The state's premier cybersecurity agency highlighted that public hotspots, often found at airports, cafes, and railway stations, can serve as \"traps\" rather than free internet sources. Officials warned that cybercriminals actively exploit…",
  "key_points": [
    "Maharashtra Cyber Agency warns of hacking risks from free public Wi-Fi networks.",
    "Free networks are unsecured traps set by cybercriminals to steal sensitive data."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}