You might see a notification that tells you that you're connected to a Wi-Fi network that's not secure because it uses an older security standard. For example, this can occur if you connect to a Wi-Fi network that uses WEP or TKIP for security. These security standards are older and have known flaws.
This means that the encryption that is in use might not be up to the standards that Apple recommends for the use of iPhone or other devices that are connected to the Wi-Fi.
This message is notifying you that your Wi-Fi encryption security is weaker than desirable. iOS is most likely sending you this message as your network security settings are not set to WPA2 (AES) or WPA3.
Public network (Recommended).
Use this for networks you connect to at home, work, or in a public place. You should use this in most cases. Your PC will be hidden from other devices on the network.
Open the Settings menu on your device. Select the WiFi or Wireless Settings option. Look for open networks, with no padlock icons. Tap the open network you would like to join.
The best Wi-Fi security option for your router is WPA2-AES. You might see WPA2-TKIP as an option, but it's not as secure. WPA2-TKIP is, however, the second-most secure — followed by WPA, and then WEP.
An unsecured network can be connected to within range and without any type of security feature like a password or login. Conversely, a secured network requires a user to agree to legal terms, register an account, or type in a password before connecting to the network.
Unsecured Network
Unsecured networks lack cybersecurity measures that keep your information safe. Therefore, you need to be very cautious about what information you are accessing when using an unsecured WiFi network. Many experts recommend never connecting to unsecured networks because you are far too vulnerable.
Secure Wi-Fi network refers to the use of passwords and secure encryption methods to send wireless data between a mobile device and the Internet connection point. There is more than one way to encrypt data. One method is Wi-Fi Protected Access-2 (WPA2).
The Wifi Settings opens. Click Manage known networks. Click the current wifi network your are connected to, and click Properties. Next to Security type, if it says something such as WEP or WPA2, your network is protected.
Turn a private address off for a network
Important: For better privacy, leave Private Address turned on for all networks that support it. Using a private address helps reduce tracking of your iPhone across different Wi-Fi networks.
Generally, cellular data is the safest method to connect to the internet. A private Wi-Fi network is the next best option, and a public network is the least safe. Here is how mobile devices connect to the internet: Cellular data: Most mobile devices can connect to the internet via a mobile network, like 4G, 5G, or LTE.
Whatever the case, you can check if someone's stealing your Wi-Fi by taking the following steps: Check your router's network map for unfamiliar devices. Look for unwanted devices in a network monitoring app. Check your router's lights for wireless activity.
Consult Your Router Settings
You can open your router's management page by typing its IP address in your browser's address bar. Once there, look for an option like Attached Devices or Client List. This will present you with a similar list as Wireless Network Watcher, but the information may be slightly different.
You can usually find your WPA2 password in your router's security settings and will get asked for a new password when setting up your home network. You may get tempted to skip adding a WPA2 password during your wireless setup because you fear forgetting a password.
To find out if you're connected using WPA3 security
For the Wi-Fi network you're connected to, select Properties next to the Wi-Fi network name. On the Wi-Fi network screen, look at the value next to Security type. It will include WPA3 if you're connected to a network using WPA3 encryption for security.
The Wi-Fi network requires a WPA2 password when connecting to a WPA2-protected Wi-Fi, which means that you need to enter the WPA2 password at first. After you successfully connect to it, your device can access the Internet for quite a long period of time.
Because it does not require authentication, a public WiFi Internet connection means hackers might be able to see your data. Not only that, but the Wi Fi router's administrator might see what sites you use and could sell your data. Therefore, do not visit websites with sensitive information if you're on public Wi-Fi.
Your Wi-Fi owner or ISP can still see the websites you visited, but nothing about what you did while there. To stay secure no matter what website you visit, you can use an HTTPS browser extension like 'HTTPS Everywhere', which encrypts your activities, even on HTTP-based websites.
If you're using a reputable VPN service or the Tor network, the WiFi owner will not be able to see your browsing history. They may be able to tell that you're using a VPN or Tor, but they won't be able to see what websites you're visiting or what data you're transmitting.