Unlike most countries, Vietnam is famous for free wi-fi and cheap internet services. Internet users in Vietnam can use wi-fi for free everywhere, from cafes, airports and hospitals to streets.

Electronics Hub based in India recently placed Vietnam’s Noi Bai International Airport at the sixth position among airports with the best wi-fi services in the world, above Singaporean Changi and South Korean Seoul airports.

Free wi-fi service in Vietnam is offered partially to improve clients’ experience and attract travelers. This also helps bring fame to Vietnam as a "paradise" of internet users and foreign travelers.

However, experts have warned of the other side of the coin amid worries about information security at free wi-fi spots, which are mostly public points.

Ngo Tuan Anh, CEO of SCS (SafeGate), said it is easy and convenient to access the internet in Vietnam at low cost in exchange for some limitations in speed, capacity, ads and other risks.

Anh said the limitation in access speed and the congestion of transmission line is attributed to the high number of accesses at the same time. This may have adverse influences on users’ experiences.

At some free wi-fi spots, users are required to access the internet via their social network accounts, or requested to provide personal information. The information will be used for advertisements or users’ online behavior supervision.

In addition, free wi-fi users may also face security problems. Hackers may counterfeit internet access points or use techniques to steal personal financial information or users’ sensitive data. This poses risks that users cannot anticipate.

Ngo Minh Hieu, the founder of Chongluadao (anti-scam), a not-for-profit project, said free wi-fi helps people connect with the internet, including poor people. Free wi-fi also support business, especially in tourism and service sectors.

However, he stressed that free wi-fi networks are not as safe as private networks, so it would be better to restrict the use of free wi-fi to access websites and apps containing sensitive information (bank accounts, emails and credit cards).

Internet users are recommended to always use two-step security for social network and bank accounts. When conducting important connections, such as companies’ internal networks, users need to use safe connect channels such as VPN. This is a good way for internet users in Vietnam to ensure security.

Trong Dat