Archive · 16 Aug 2026
Maharashtra Cyber Warns Free Wi-Fi Users Of Hacking, Financial Fraud
Imagine you are at a train station and see free internet.
Sometimes, that free internet is like a trap set by bad people.
The bad people can watch everything you do on your phone.
They can see your passwords and even your bank details.
The police in Maharashtra, called Maharashtra Cyber, warned everyone about this danger.
They said bad people often set up fake internet networks that look real.
If you use these networks, someone might steal your money.
A bank manager once lost a lot of money this way.
To stay safe, you should only use your own mobile internet or ask staff for the real network name.
If someone cheats you online, call 1930 to get help.
Maharashtra Cyber issued a public advisory warning citizens about the security risks of using open public Wi-Fi networks.
Public hotspots at airports, cafes, and railway stations can be exploited by cybercriminals to intercept user traffic and steal sensitive data.
Attackers can steal passwords, session cookies, and login credentials, leading to account misuse and financial fraud.
A government bank GM lost Rs 4.27 lakh earlier this month after a fake APK file spread following a free Wi-Fi connection at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus.
Maharashtra Cyber advises users to verify network names, avoid financial tasks on public Wi-Fi, use VPNs or mobile data, and disable auto-connect.
- Who
- Maharashtra Cyber, the state's premier cybersecurity agency, warning citizens
- What
- Issued a public advisory warning against hacking and financial fraud risks associated with open public Wi-Fi networks
- When
- Advisory date not specified in the article; the reported bank fraud incident occurred earlier this month
- Where
- Maharashtra, India; the reported fraud incident occurred at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus in Mumbai
- Why
- To alert users that cybercriminals exploit unsecured public networks to steal personal data and commit financial fraud
- Agency
- Maharashtra Cyber
- Warning
- Risks of hacking and financial fraud on public Wi-Fi
- Affected hotspots
- Airports, cafes, railway stations
- Reported fraud
- Rs 4.27 lakh lost by a government bank GM
- Fraud location
- Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, Mumbai
- Cyber helpline
- 1930
- Complaint portal
- www.mhcyber.gov.in
- Suggested protections
- Mobile data, VPN, verified network names, disabled auto-connect