WiFi Sense: What It Is & Why You Should Disable It for Security

Quick Answers

Common questions answered at a glance

What is WiFi Sense?

WiFi Sense is a Windows tool that allows your computer to automatically connect to available WiFi networks and WiFi networks provided by your contact list. WiFi Sense was added in Windows 10 to make finding a public WiFi connection easier. However, it cannot distinguish between a valid public WiFi connection and a phony one created by hackers to intercept user data.

Is WiFi Sense a security risk?

Should I disable WiFi Sense?

What happens if I disable WiFi Sense?

Will disabling WiFi Sense impact my home network?

When you turn on WiFi Sense, your computer will automatically join any available WiFi network. This may seem convenient (for example, when you enter a coffee shop your computer will automatically start using their WiFi). But as we all know, there's no such thing as a free lunch. In this case, the convenience comes with a cost; WiFi Sense joins you to any available WiFi network — including those created by hackers for the sole purpose of stealing information from users.This is not a performance-related issue. This is a security-related issue. If your computer automatically connects to an unknown network, that unknown network operator has access to your traffic — your login credentials, your Steam account token, your personal info, etc. This is particularly bad news for gamers attending LAN parties, tournaments, and other public gatherings where public WiFi is readily available.

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Learn more

In this article, you will find out what WiFi Sense does, why it is a security concern, and step-by-step instructions on how to turn it off. You will also find information about how to safely navigate public WiFi without sacrificing too much convenience.No technical jargon. Real risks. Easy-to-understand language.

The security threat

Phony hotspots

The greatest threat is phony hotspots. Hackers create a phony WiFi network with a popular name ("Free WiFi," "Airport WiFi," "Hotel Guest") and your computer identifies it as a valid open WiFi network. As soon as your computer connects to the phony network, the hacker becomes the middleman between you and the internet. According to The Network Installers, 43% of public WiFi users have experienced some form of data breach — with man-in-the-middle attacks and packet sniffing as the most common methods. The global average cost of a data breach now exceeds $4.44 million, and 68% of breaches involve a human element like connecting to an untrusted network.

Why gamers are particularly vulnerable

Gamers are particularly vulnerable due to the nature of LAN events and gaming tournaments. Many of these events utilize a single shared WiFi connection. Furthermore, many gamers have valuable accounts (Steam accounts with extensive game libraries) on platforms such as Steam, Discord, etc. A hacked Steam account can be sold online for thousands of dollars. A hacked Discord account with administrative rights to multiple servers can result in significant losses.

Disabling WiFi Sense

Windows 10

1. Press Windows + I to open the Settings application.2. Click on Network & Internet.3. Click on WiFi.4. Click "Manage WiFi settings."5. Turn off "Connect to suggested open hotspots."6. Turn off "Connect to networks shared by my contacts."

Windows 11

1. Press Windows + I to open the Settings application.2. Click on Network & Internet.3. Click on WiFi.4. Click "Manage known networks."5. Verify that "Connect automatically" is turned on only for networks that you trust.6. Make sure "Connect to suggested open hotspots" is turned off.IQON was founded because we noticed that individuals who needed help the most were being given the worst guidance. Therefore, we began writing articles that explained why something is necessary before explaining how to accomplish it. Everyone deserves to have free and accessible knowledge, regardless of whether or not you use our software.

WiFi Sense: What It Is & Why You Should Disable It for Security

Quick Answers

The security threat

Phony hotspots

Why gamers are particularly vulnerable

Disabling WiFi Sense

Windows 10

Windows 11

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