What tactic involves using public Wi-Fi to steal information if personal data is not securely protected?

The tactic that involves using public Wi-Fi to steal information when personal data is not securely protected is hacking.

When individuals connect to public Wi-Fi networks, they often expose themselves to risks because these networks can be less secure than private ones. This makes it easier for hackers to intercept data being transmitted over the network. They can employ various methods such as man-in-the-middle attacks, where they position themselves between the user and the connection point to capture sensitive information, including usernames, passwords, and credit card numbers.

In contrast, phishing involves tricking individuals into revealing personal information through deceptive emails or messages, rather than exploiting unsecured networks. Shoulder surfing refers to the act of watching someone enter information such as passwords, often in physical settings, which does not relate to the vulnerabilities associated with public Wi-Fi. Bribery involves persuading someone to act for one's benefit in exchange for a reward, which is not connected to the technical aspects of stealing data over networks. Understanding these distinctions highlights the specific dangers associated with using unsecured public Wi-Fi and emphasizes the importance of using secure connections and protective measures, such as virtual private networks (VPNs) or secured websites (HTTPS).