How To Safely Use Public WiFi
People have long used places like Starbucks and airport terminals to check emails, catch up on social media or surf the web when they’re out and about. But nowadays, virtually anywhere that people spend time or money has a public WiFi network – including places like shopping centers, parks, and even certain neighborhoods. Using these networks is an incredibly convenient way to stay connected while on the go, but public WiFi networks are also ripe for cybercrime.
A public WiFi network is inherently less secure than your own, private one, because you don't know who set it up, or who else is connecting to it. Because hackers can connect to these networks just as easily as you, they are prime targets for stealing your personal data and communications.
Here are the do’s and don’ts of using public wifi to mitigate your hacking risk.
What NOT to Do on Public WiFi
The first step to safely using public WiFi is knowing what activities to avoid at all costs. Here are five of the riskiest things you can do on public WiFi:
Avoid accessing websites and services that contain sensitive data.
This includes the big ones like online banking and financial accounts. But it also means avoiding services like social media and email accounts. Any site that collects personal data is best to avoid when you are on a public WiFi network.
Do not use free, public WiFi to connect to your office network.
This is a quick way to jeopardize the entire organization and its data if hackers compromise your system over an unsecured network.
Do not shop online or enter your credit card information.
You’ve probably heard this one before, but it’s worth repeating. Hackers can quickly intercept this information to commit theft and fraud.
Do not enable automatic connection to nearby WiFi networks.
We’ve all seen it happen. You walk into a Starbucks that you visited one time a year ago, and magically you are connected to their WiFi. It’s convenient, but it’s also an easy way to have your data stolen without ever realizing it. Hackers may have intercepted the network since the last time you used it, or your device may even connect to a lookalike Wi-Fi network without you realizing it.
Do not access websites that are not encrypted.
All pages of a website must use HTTPS which means that your data to and from the website’s servers will be encrypted and inaccessible. Look for the lock icon next to the URL in the search bar or double check that the web address starts with https (not http).
How to Safely Use Public WiFi
Stick to the Networks You Know
Wherever possible stick to well-known networks, like Starbucks. These WiFi networks are likely less suspect because the people and companies operating them are legitimate and are invested in keeping you as a customer, so they are more likely to invest in the necessary cybersecurity protocols to keep their network safe.
Don't Give Away Too Much Personal Info
Be wary of signing up for public WiFi networks that ask for a number of personal details, like your email address or your phone number. If you absolutely have to connect to networks like this, stick to places you trust and consider using an alternative email address that isn't your primary one.
Limit Bluetooth Sharing
Airdrop and other bluetooth file sharing services are highly convenient, but many people don’t limit who and what can be shared with them. When you're on a public network around strangers, you'll want to disable those features that enable bluetooth file sharing on your devices. You don’t want hackers to secretly share malicious files with your device.
Use a VPN (virtual private network)
By using a VPN when you connect to a public WiFi network, you’ll be creating a ‘private tunnel’ that encrypts all of your data that passes through the network. This can help to prevent cybercriminals from intercepting your data. That being said, using a VPN does not mean you can let your guard down. You should still avoid the high-risk activities detailed above when using a VPN.
Use Cellular Data Instead
At the end of the day, accessing the internet through your mobile phone network is far safer than using public WiFi. Turn your cell phone into a hotspot for any activities that require you to enter or receive sensitive information. Unlike public WiFi, your mobile hotspot will have a strong password enabled by default.
Using public WiFi networks is convenient – and saves your cellular data – but it also comes with a number of risks. The best way to protect yourself is to avoid using these networks in the first place, but if you absolutely must, be sure to follow these security tips.
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