Why should you not trust public Wi-Fi networks -
Weary travelers at airports and broke students studying in coffee shops are also pleased to see "Wi-Fi hotspot" signs or locate the networks they can connect for free, but also nice that luxury is, you can not always trust public Wi-Fi networks. Its use often puts your computer or mobile device at risk. These networks are inherently insecure, and use them without thinking twice could put you at risk of having your device hacked and stolen data. We dive into what makes these networks so dangerous for you to use and what you can do to protect yourself if you absolutely must use one.
What makes them dangerous public Wi-Fi networks?
Unlike your private home network or those that are connecting securely to your school or office, a public Wi-Fi network is designed to be easy for anyone to use - making it easier for pirates hijack. As pointed this article Forbes, hacking into a public Wi-Fi network does not require much skill, and public Wi-Fi networks are used by dozens of people at once, providing the attacker with many potential targets. Since people tend to not think before connecting to public Wi-Fi networks, many also do not think that the websites they visit or the applications they use while connected. Unfortunately, that's what criminals are banking on, and they are often richly rewarded. You might think that a public Wi-Fi network with a password is a smarter choice than allowing anyone to get free, but that is not necessarily true; after all, if all you need to get the password is to buy a large latte and ask, it can not be all that secure.
Need to connect anyway? Here's how you can protect yourself
Sometimes you can not help you, and you have no choice but to connect to a public Wi-Fi network. Although there is no way to completely eliminate the risk, there are some steps you can take if necessary to limit the risk to your privacy.
1. Do not visit websites or view files that could expose your information. Check out what your friends are on Facebook or scanning the titles is one thing, but filing your taxes or log in to your online bank account is quite another. Regarding the use of public Wi-Fi networks, if you must, keep your light activity, that way if someone is listening to what you do, they will not be able to get their hands on something important. Also, look for HTTPS in the address bar when visiting sites that require you to enter secure information to be sure you use a secure Web site in the first place. It should be noted that often the pirates will create fake websites that look nearly identical to the original site hoping to steal login credentials from their victims or downloading malicious software on their device . If you receive an alert to your browser while you are connected to Wi-Fi saying that the site you visit can be dangerous, close it immediately, as it is likely fraudulent site.
2. Use a virtual private network (VPN). Often used by companies to enable remote based employees to securely connect to their networks everywhere, a VPN can be purchased and used by anyone. When you use a VPN, your web traffic is encrypted so that it is more difficult for those who might be snooping on your Internet usage to try to nab your passwords or other personal data. Although there are free VPN available, you are better off paying for a network to ensure you get quality service.
3. Make sure you connect to the correct network. This may seem obvious, but often people do not pay attention and select the first network name they see. If the Coffee Shop Lily network is named "LilyCoffeeInternet" someone could set up a similar tone "LilyCoffeeNetwork" to try to trap you connect to an unsecured network. Ask the owner of the establishment you visit for network information, or check the signal if you are somewhere like the airport to ensure that you select the correct network. It is also a good habit to have your computer or device "forget" the network once you have finished using it - this will ensure that it does not automatically connect in the future when you are near . Similarly, you can configure your device to "ask" before it connects to a network (not just connect to networks automatically close), so that you can determine whether or not it is a question safe.
4. Set up your own mobile hotspot or use your data. Of course, there might be times when you are short of (or) mobile data, but if your choice is between a potentially dangerous public connection and maybe go over your data for the month you might be better to swallow the cost. Also, remember to use your phone as a mobile hotspot. Many smartphones are designed with built-in mobile hotspot, which means you can use your phone to create a secure Wi-Fi network for your computer and other devices to join. Again, this option requires data to use, but it is a lot safer than a public Wi-Fi network option. Make sure you create a strong password and keep it enabled at all times so outsiders can not crash your party!
What about Wi-Fi networks in my office or in friends?
in general, any network that is configured with a secure password only shared by a small number of people will be much safer than a public Wi-Fi network open to everyone and everything the world. That said, if you visit a home or office that does not protect a password for the network (or uses a simple, easily guessed password), you might want to think about using the same strategies outlined -Dessus or use your device data until you're back in the range of a trusted network.
Unfortunately, the convenience in daily life often comes at a cost. In a world dominated by connectivity, it can be tempting to use all the outlets you will find to stay connected - but it is important to keep your privacy and security in mind before opting for shoot advantage of this public Wi-Fi hotspot. to learn more about protecting your privacy on the road, and in the comfort of your home, visit our blog for privacy.
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