The proliferation of mobile devices means that we can work or play online from almost anywhere, so it's no surprise that public Wi-Fi networks have become more common. From hotels and coffee shops, to universities and city centers, Wi-Fi is widely available, but is connecting to these networks safe? If you were carrying on a highly sensitive conversation on a park bench with your closest friend, would you want everyone in the immediate area to gather around and eavesdrop? That's essentially what happens-or what could happen-when you communicate online using public Wi-Fi, such as at coffee houses, hotels and airports.