Whenever possible, don’t use a public network. Try to use a secure, password-protected connection.
Attackers prey on public networks to steal people’s passwords and personal data and to download malicious programs to user systems. And be sure to verify that public network’s name and IP address with an employee; creating bogus networks with names similar to the establishment offering the public network is a trick common to crafty attackers.
If you must use a public network, exercise extreme caution. Don’t access social media accounts where personal information is accessible, and never, ever log into bank or credit card websites, thereby exposing your financial data to theft.