Connecting to Wi-Fi at home is not the same as using a public Wi-Fi network. Public Wi-Fi often lacks encryption, putting your personal information, such as passwords, credit card information, and private messages, at risk. This doesn't mean you should avoid public Wi-Fi altogether. There are ways to stay safe while navigating a coffee shop or airport. In this article, we share seven tips you can follow to use public Wi-Fi safely.
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Security Precautions for Public Wi-Fi
Choose Trusted Networks
To minimize the chances of hackers hacking you, try using a network you trust, provided by your hotel, airport or cafe. Such networks often have additional security measures such as security measures, firewalls or network monitoring to prevent cybercrime.
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You should always be wary of connecting to networks with generic or misspelled names because cybercriminals can create them. It is very important to verify the validity of the network before connecting. In case of doubt, ask the institution's staff for official network information.
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Use VPN (Virtual Private Network)
When you set up a VPN, you make it extremely difficult for a hacker to intercept your data, regardless of which network you are connected to. Because a VPN encrypts your internet traffic and routes it through a remote server, creating a secure tunnel for your data.
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VPN also hides your IP address, adding an additional layer of anonymity. This makes it even more difficult for cybercriminals to track your online activities or determine your physical location.
A masked IP address has the added benefit of providing access to information or content located in another country.
Enable HTTPS and Watch Out for Spelling Errors
To ensure a safe browsing experience, users should always check for "https://" in the website's URL. This small but vital detail indicates that the connection is secure.
Additionally, modern browsers often display a lock icon in the address bar to further indicate that the connection is encrypted. These visual cues provide immediate assurance that your data is safe during online transactions.
You should also look out for typos or strange characters in the website's URL. This may indicate that you are on a phishing website.
Turn Off File Sharing
Always disable file sharing when connected to public Wi-Fi. File sharing can inadvertently expose your sensitive data to other users on the network and pose a potential security risk.
Many operating systems are configured by default to allow file sharing, which means your device may accidentally share your files and folders with anyone on the network unless you turn off file sharing.
To turn off file sharing, go to your device's settings and look for file sharing or network sharing options. From here you can disable this feature so that your files remain private and inaccessible to others.
In addition to turning off file sharing, consider adjusting your device's settings to limit access to certain folders or files. This additional step ensures that access to sensitive information is prevented even if file sharing is accidentally enabled.
Forget Network
Once you connect to a network, your computer automatically reconnects when you return to that area. This can leave you in danger because you may unknowingly connect to public Wi-Fi.
To avoid this you have to cut a network and forget about it. To do this, go to your device's settings and find the list of saved Wi-Fi networks. Select the relevant network and select "Forget" or "Remove".
You should also periodically check the list of saved Wi-Fi networks to regularly check for suspicious or unfamiliar networks that your laptop might accidentally connect to.
This way, you can quickly identify and remove suspicious or unfamiliar networks, further strengthening your protection against potential security breaches.
Avoid Sharing Personal Information
Avoid entering personal information when connected to public Wi-Fi and limit yourself to simple online activities, such as reading the news, checking the weather, or making general searches.
Use sensitive data entry, such as Social Security numbers, financial information, or confidential business files, when you're at home on a secure, private network. This precaution protects your sensitive information from potential risks on public networks.
Despite the dangers of public Wi-Fi, 25% of people still access their bank accounts while using public Wi-Fi. Take extra precautions if you have to access banking information. Try to use apps or websites that are known for their security and double-check the authenticity of the website.
Use Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Two-factor authentication significantly increases the security of your accounts, and more and more websites are using this security measure.
Google reports that 70% of people use this method as an additional security measure. This added layer of protection makes sure that even if someone gets your password, they can't break into your account.
To summarize the topic of security measures for public Wi-Fi, although using public Wi-Fi is practical, it is not always safe. By recognizing the weak points of unprotected networks, you can take the necessary precautions and secure your sensitive data.