How to Stay Safe on Public Wi-Fi?

Introduction:

Public Wi-Fi is a convenient way to get online when you’re out and about, but it can also be dangerous. Without the proper security measures in place, your personal information could be at risk. Here are six tips for staying safe on public Wi-Fi.

Select your public Wi-Fi system

When it comes to connecting to public Wi-Fi systems, not all are created equal. In fact, some public Wi-Fi networks are inherently safer than others. It is easy to imagine that some small, independent shop which provides Wi-Fi will not have the IT experience to ensure that the Wi-Fi is secure. Whereas some of the chain shops and coffee bars will have a generic system they can deploy easily and with a better level of security than many. It is often a matter of who else is on the network as well, but in terms of the level of public Wi-Fi security, a known quantity is better than some random network that might be picked up in an airport or other public location.

Use https websites

When logging in to a public Wi-Fi network, using https websites is your best bet for staying safe. Sites that use https have their communications encrypted, making it much more difficult for anyone wanting to spy on your activities. As an added bonus, Google Chrome now warns users when they are not on a secure site. This helps to ensure that you don't inadvertently enter any passwords or other personal information when connected to a public Wi-Fi network.

Beware sign-up information

very often public Wi-Fi networks will require some personal information, such as an email, in order to sign up. This is because the network owner can then send emails, and other marketing information, directly to your inbox. However, this also means that you're opening yourself up to a lot of spam. To avoid this, have an email address that can be used just for these types of sign-ups. Any spam can then be passed harmlessly into this secondary email account. You should also avoid giving away any personal information when signing up for a public Wi-Fi network.

Try not to use completely open Wi-Fi networks

When you're out and about, you might not have a lot of choice in Wi-Fi networks. However, if you're in an airport or a coffee shop, try to use the "semi-open" networks instead of the completely open ones. These Wi-Fi networks are a bit harder to hack into and will offer you some added security. If you're not given a password, try to find one that's hidden or ask for it when you make your purchase. Another way to add an extra layer of security is to use a Virtual Private Network (VPN). This will create a secure connection between your device and the Wi-Fi network, so your data will be protected from prying eyes.

Turn off file sharing and Air Drop options

When you're using public Wi-Fi, it's important to take precautions to protect your data. One of the simplest things you can do is to turn off file sharing and AirDrop. That way, people nearby won't be able to access your files or send you files without your permission. You should also use a strong password to protect your Wi-Fi network. And, if you're using a Windows computer, be sure to use the built-in firewall. These measures will make it much more difficult for people to access your computer and steal your data.

Ensure all firewall software is up to date

Make sure your firewall software is up to date. This is one of the key issues for wireless network security. Using out of date software is one way in which hackers try to gain access to systems. It is always advisable to keep all software updated to the latest issue whenever possible. Although it can be a pain doing this, the pain of having to fix issues caused by hacking can be much harder.

Use smartphone hotspot

Public Wi-Fi security is a key issue for those using Internet enabled devices whilst out and about. Normally there aren't many issues and most Wi-Fi networks are sufficiently secure, but it is always best to be cautious and not open yourself up to any more security issues than is absolutely necessary. We all rely on our phones, tablets and laptops and security breaches can be a major issue taking time and sometimes costing money before they are resolved. One way of ensuring that you are as safe as possible when using public Wi-Fi is to use your smartphone as a personal hotspot. This will allow you to use the Wi-Fi connection on your phone to connect other devices, like your laptop or tablet, and will keep them safe from any potential cyber threats.

Conclusion:

Public Wi-Fi networks are convenient and a great way to save on data, but they can also be dangerous if you're not careful. By following these tips, you can stay safe when using public Wi-Fi networks and keep your information private.