Equity Bank Kenya’s largest lender has warned its customers about the risk of using public WiFi for mobile banking saying it offers hackers the most common loophole for executing cyber-attacks.

The bank says public WiFi exposes customers to possible hacking by criminal elements and warned customers against conducting mobile or online banking transactions when on public WiFi.

“We urge all our customers to remain alert and vigilant in combating fraud by following tips, do not use public WiFi to do your online or mobile banking,” said the bank.
The warning by Equity is expected to put a spotlight on the popular use of public WiFi by Kenyans.

Free WiFi is more readily available in Kenya than ever before with restaurants, airports, coffee shops, hotels, and high street stores all offering the service to customers.

The warning underlines long-held fears about the use of public WiFi and its safety for users.

Experts in the rest of the world have prominently warned that along with convenience for the public, public Wi-Fi hotspots can also provide an easy way for identity thieves and cybercriminals to monitor what you’re doing online and to steal your passwords, your personal information, or both.

By Jane Kibathi.