We usually do not find ourselves without having access to the internet anytime, anywhere. We also notice the increased accessibility, and the increased number of public Wi-Fi networks available at all places and events we attend. From a shopping mall to a public library, from a coffee shop to a bus stop, free open networks are available for people. It’s normally not a problem to connect to the internet when you are at home with your confined network. However, with public Wi-Fi, which is relatively congested and a large crowd of the public is streaming on it, internet accessibility becomes a different thing. Though it seems good that you can keep in touch with others and catch up with work from anywhere anytime while you venture out, it’s not as simple and as safe as you think. Let’s learn about the risks of using public Wi-Fi and how to surf safely when you venture out.
The Risks of Using Public Wi-Fi
The Risk of Malware Attacks
Open networks like public Wi-Fi are not a secure choice. It carries the risk of being hacked through mischievous activity. Hackers may install malware unethically on these networks. This malware may be in the form of a file transferred to your device, a suspicious link sent to you, or a fake ad to click on when you connect to the network. As soon as you receive and accept malware files, they get access to your data and information saved on your device. They can even track your online activities or damage your device’s software and apps.
The Risk of Man-in-the-Middle Attacks
Hackers use man-in-the-middle to attack your device when you connect to an unsecured public Wi-Fi network. They may intercept your communication with a website or a service. Such hacking attempts allow cracking passwords, credit card numbers, or other sensitive credentials available on your device. Public Wi-Fi more commonly has risks of man-in-the-middle hacking activities. Be careful when you connect to open networks and your device remembers all credentials.
Risks of Using Public Wi-Fi and How to Surf Safe:
The Risk of Getting Prey on an Unencrypted Network
Usually, public Wi-Fi networks are not encrypted. There is more risk of getting prey to a privacy breach by hackers. Anyone handling the network can see your online activity by transmitting all your traffic to plain text. You are at great security and privacy risk while using public Wi-Fi, especially if you access a sensitive website or download sensitive apps.
The Risk of Malicious Hotspot Stealing Your Sensitive Data
Users may easily fall prey to fake Wi-Fi hotspots that look legitimate; these malicious or fake hotspots are called evil twins. When you connect to malicious hotspots, they easily steal sensitive data and personal information from your device leaving your eyes wide open. So, there is always a risk of privacy and security as they intercept your traffic through malicious hotspots while using public Wi-Fi.
Tips for Surfing Safe on Public Wi-Fi
If the use of public Wi-Fi becomes irresistible, take good steps for your device and data security to surf safely. Here you can learn useful tips on how to surf safely, and make security precautions.
- Use your phone as a hotspot instead of getting prey to the fake hotspots available. Your phone hotspot will be a secure connection to public Wi-Fi.
- Choose only the connection you trust, and avoid any random Wi-Fi connection available free.
- Do not fill in too much information or open your data while working on a website or service through public Wi-Fi. Complete sensate tasks on your trusted connections only, like your home network.
- If an open network is irresistible, use a VPN service. VPNs encrypt all of your traffic and hide your online activity from others.
- Customize your connectivity setting to avoid automatic connection to any available network. It prevents your device from fake hotspot connectivity.
- Use strong passwords for all of your accounts and VPN, so that no one can attempt and get access to your accounts. Use a mix of small and capital alphabets, numbers, and symbols.
- While you log in to your accounts in public places, keep an eye on your surroundings. Some mischievous people may look at you typing and steal your passwords. Be careful while you use your emails, or bank account, or make a transaction using public Wi-Fi.
- Make sure you have antivirus software available on your device that covers the latest security patches. It will protect your device from so many vulnerabilities.
- Do not forget to log out of all your accounts when you have finished using public Wi-Fi. It will prevent your accounts and data security from being compromised.
