A hotspot is a physical location where people may obtain Internet access, typically using Wi-Fi technology, via a wireless local area network (WLAN) using a router connected to an internet service provider. Public hotspots may be created by a business for use by customers, such as coffee shops or hotels.

Whenever you connect to the internet in public, you have some risks - no matter whether you're using a laptop, phone, or tablet. When you use a mobile hotspot in public, you may encounter travelers you don't know or hackers who use your mobile internet access without your permission.