Tips to stay safe while using public Wi-Fi

Introduction

Everywhere we go nowadays has its wifi. Whether it is the local coffee shop, the public library, airport, hotels, or any other public space you will find the Wi-Fi network available for you to connect. The internet is a very essential part of our lives and most of us are connected 24/7. That public Wi-Fi is often an essential part of our life however with it comes a myriad of issues due to the lack of cyber security measures of a public network. In your house, you can take the necessary steps to keep your home wireless network secure. From regularly updating your passwords to using encryption tools to protect the information you send over the internet; there are many steps that you can take to help yourself. These precautionary steps are not possible for you to take care of in a public setting using someone else's Wi-Fi.

Why Should You Worry About Using the Free Wifi with Your Morning Cup of Joe at the local Batista?

If you are wondering why the aesthetics of working in the coffee shop using the Wi-Fi while enjoying your beverage is not the best plan cyber security-wise; then there are many reasons for it. Here are some of the most common worries that you need to be aware of before you ask for the wifi password anywhere next time:

● When you log in via an unsecured network you are exposing yourself to hijacking tools employed by cyberhackers. These hijacking tools help cybercriminals to log in to your session. These tools facilitate these criminals to steal your login information and data from your device when you are accessing an unencrypted website from the public unsecured network.

● The unsecured network also helps scammers access your account information to scam people by stealing your identity. From scamming people on your contact list to using your financial information to access your bank accounts the options available for Cybercriminals are limitless.

● You are opening your device for malware to be downloaded onto it as many public Wi-Fi networks force users to install a Digital certificate to be able to access the internet. These Digital certificates hide malware.

What to Do in such a situation?

● Use encryption tools: free-to-use encryption tools are available online that you can utilize to make sure that any information you sent online is end to end and encrypted. This means that even if cybercriminals access the data they won't be able to read what you have sent.

● Only connect to secure websites: if you are using a public network make sure you're only accessing those websites that you are sure about. This means that you must be aware of the website policies and security measures. These websites must also be fully encrypted.

● Use VPN services: invest in VPN services. It Doesn't cost a lot of money and in the long run, it is going to be the most beneficial investment that you have made.

● Try to use mobile data as much as possible: you are planning an outing and you will know that you will require an internet connection. Try to use mobile data if you can.  

● Never access your personal or financial information on a public network: this is something you should never do on a public network as this is the most committed information that hackers are always on the lookout for; access to your personal information or financial information can have never devastating losses.

● Always remember to log out of accounts if you are using a public network: if you have to log in to any of your accounts, you are logging out of them before you walk out of the place.

● Pay attention to the warnings flashing on your devices: whenever the Internet Security System or the anti-virus you have told your device asks you not to connect to any website while using a public network, pay attention to it. The software has been created to make sure that you are not being scammed by unscrupulous websites ready to steal your information.

● Change your device settings so that it does not automatically connect to an open Wi-Fi wherever possible: the moment you get a new device make sure to change this setting so that you never make this mistake.

Conclusion

There are many times in our life we desperately need to use a public network. There are many steps you can take to protect yourself in such a situation. The help of the tips given above to keep yourself safe no matter where you travel as that is always a chance of being a victim of a cyber attack when using a public network.