Which statement is consistent with the safety of public networks?

Which statement is consistent with the safety of public networks?

• A. Public networks are always secure.
• B. Public networks reduce privacy risks.
• C. Many public networks are not secure.
• D. Public networks encrypt all traffic by default.

Answer: (C)

Public networks are not inherently safe because you don’t control how they’re secured. On many public Wi‑Fi setups, traffic can be intercepted or tampered with if it isn’t end‑to‑end encrypted, and even networks that require a password can be exposed to risks when many users share the same access point. Attackers can use techniques like packet sniffing on open networks or set up rogue hotspots to capture data, make changes to traffic, or steal credentials. That’s why you should assume you’re exposed and take precautions: use HTTPS websites, enable a VPN when using public Wi‑Fi, keep devices and apps updated, and limit sharing or sensitive actions on such networks. The idea that these networks are always secure or automatically encrypt all traffic by default isn’t accurate, and they don’t inherently reduce privacy risks.

Public networks are not inherently safe because you don’t control how they’re secured. On many public Wi‑Fi setups, traffic can be intercepted or tampered with if it isn’t end‑to‑end encrypted, and even networks that require a password can be exposed to risks when many users share the same access point. Attackers can use techniques like packet sniffing on open networks or set up rogue hotspots to capture data, make changes to traffic, or steal credentials. That’s why you should assume you’re exposed and take precautions: use HTTPS websites, enable a VPN when using public Wi‑Fi, keep devices and apps updated, and limit sharing or sensitive actions on such networks. The idea that these networks are always secure or automatically encrypt all traffic by default isn’t accurate, and they don’t inherently reduce privacy risks.