Public Wi-Fi networks can be extremely dangerous because your personal data that goes through the system can be accessed by hackers, such as credit/debit card numbers and the passwords to use them. You can follow a series of simple rules to avoid becoming a cybercrime victim.
1. You should always enable the option to use a secure connection (HTTPS) in your device settings. This is also recommended whenever you visit a website you think may not be appropriately protected. Try as much as you can to avoid using a public Wi-Fi connection on sites that require a login. For example email addresses, social networking and especially, online banking accounts. The most secure websites to connect when on public Wi-Fi would be entertainment or information pages. I know, it’s easy to say it, but it’s harder to do so. However, if you want to access websites that involve authentication or crucial data, the wisest way would be to use your mobile connection data.
2. Disable your automatic wireless connection option. Moreover, when you no longer surf the internet, disable your Wi-Fi connection. This reduces the risk of data theft when you no longer use the Internet. If you need to connect to a public wireless network, try to limit yourself as much as possible to a simple search for information. It is not at all recommended to sign in to personal email accounts or enter personal data such as passwords, card numbers, PINs, etc. This confidential information can be retrieved and used for illegal purposes.
3. Do not use networks that are not password protected or have passwords easy to guess or find out. If you have effortless access to it, it certainly means that thousands of other people have access as well. Avoid, as much as possible, networks that require access to personal data to browse the Internet – Some hotels, and a lot of airports offer users the option to connect to their networks without a password, but they ask you instead to sign up with an email address or a social network account. So, for connecting to the Internet, users are notified that their public profile and contacts will be accessed. Our recommendation is to avoid such connections.
4. Even if a Wi-Fi network requires a complicated password, you should stay alert. Hackers can find out which is the password from the Wi-Fi connection in a cafe bar, for example, and then create a false Wi-FI hotspot with the same name and password. This allows them to steal the users’ personal data easily. You should only trust the network name and password given to you by the employee of that specific place.
5. If possible, sign in with a virtual private network (VPN). When using a VPN, the encrypted traffic is transmitted via a protected tunnel, which means cybercriminals will not be able to read your data even if they can access it.
A public Wi-Fi connection is always welcomed when you need one. These simple tips could help you protect against cyber crimes. They look for victims among users on public Wi-Fi networks. Refuse to be a victim and protect your personal data by following these essential rules.