Setting-up iPad on a public WiFi

[ConfusedPanda]

Hi everyone, I have been gifted an iPad which I will use on a cellular connection. I don't have the data via my pay as you go) plan to set it up, if I set it up on a public wifi connection would that be dangerous from a privacy/security basis?

Thanks for reading!

 

[scifan57]

It could be as you’ll be entering your Apple ID and password, your iCloud ID and password and any other passwords you use. Also, depending on the speed of the WiFi connection it could take up to several hours to download everything.

 

[Jupiter7]

Hi everyone, I have been gifted an iPad which I will use on a cellular connection. I don't have the data via my pay as you go) plan to set it up, if I set it up on a public wifi connection would that be dangerous from a privacy/security basis?

Thanks for reading!

It would be far safer if you could set the iPad up at a friend’s house using their WiFi if that’s possible.

 

[ConfusedPanda]

Thanks folks, that's a blow as I am isolated at the moment I don't know anyone locally with WiFi.

I will be setting up a new Apple ID as I set-up the iPad so there is no risk of anyone seeing anything...If I changed my passwords after setting-up would that be enough?

Sorry if this question sounds absolutely staggeringly dim!

 

[Jupiter7]

Thanks folks, that's a blow as I am isolated at the moment I don't know anyone locally with WiFi.

I will be setting up a new Apple ID as I set-up the iPad so there is no risk of anyone seeing anything...If I changed my passwords after setting-up would that be enough?

Sorry if this question sounds absolutely staggeringly dim!

It’s not a dim question. It would help with security.

 

[ConfusedPanda]

Thanks, so if I did that I should be okay? I know Apple products aren't as susceptible to malware as Windows and Android but I was wondering if that could be a problem with the public network?

 

[Jupiter7]

Thanks, so if I did that I should be okay? I know Apple products aren't as susceptible to malware as Windows and Android but I was wondering if that could be a problem with the public network?

Public WiFi can be risky whatever your device. You could be using unsecured networks, tricked into a man-in-the-middle attack or end up downloading malware and more. That is why people use VPNs when they use such networks.

 

[scifan57]

Public WiFi can be risky whatever your device. You could be using unsecured networks, tricked into a man-in-the-middle attack or end up downloading malware and more. That is why people use VPNs when they use such networks.

There’s also the person who watches over your shoulder and gets your passwords that way.

 

[twerppoet]

You could always go into your cellular provider, and let them know you need to set up your iPad before getting connected. They should be able to help you. If nothing else, let you use their local wi-fi, which should be at least a little more secure than the local McDonalds, coffee shop, or hotel lobby.

They would probably help you set up your cell service for the iPad at the same time. People are often more helpful when you're spending money.