Public Wi-Fi – Do’s and Don’ts
The Do’s and Don’ts of Using Public Wi-Fi
In the world today, public Wi-Fi is accessible from almost anywhere, with more “hotspots” being created everyday. With the advent of mobile phones and tablets, combined with laptops, people want to be able to access the Internet virtually anyplace they go. As a result, locations such as hotels, airports, coffee shops, retailers, and more are setting up Wi-Fi hotspots so consumers can access the Internet while on-the-go. Unfortunately, there is a hidden danger in where sensitive information and Internet devices can be compromised if consumers are not careful while using public Wi-Fi. Learn the do’s and don’ts of using public Wi-Fi below.
What One Should NOT Do While Using Public Wi-Fi
Many consumers don’t think twice about accessing their social media accounts, bank accounts, PayPal accounts, credit card accounts, or even their personal accounts on retail sites. They want to be able to check their credit card, bank, and PayPal statements, they want to shop while they are on-the-go, and they want to post pictures to their social media accounts to let their friends know what they are up to and even to set up meetings with them later.
Unfortunately, doing such activities will often leave these people vulnerable to cyberattack, specifically where their sensitive information is compromised to where they could be subject to identity theft, hacking, ransomware, and losing their financial assets and even their personal identity.
One big mistake many consumers make is entering in their login information onto any website while on public Wi-Fi. If that website is only using HTTP and not HTTPS, that means the data is unencrypted, and anyone with basic wireless networking knowledge can easily gain access to that information on an unencrypted public Wi-Fi network. Thus, consumers should NEVER input sensitive information on any HTTP site.
Most of the aforementioned websites (such as credit card sites, bank sites, PayPal, etc.) use HTTPS, which encrypts the data one sends to them. However, if a device has been compromised with a keystroke logger (a type of malware), the keystrokes can be recorded, which would make the HTTPS encryption useless since the attacker would know exactly what to input to gain access to those accounts. Thus, even inputting sensitive information into sites using HTTPS can be dangerous, so inputting any sensitive information onto a public Wi-Fi network should be avoided as much as possible.
Many consumers log into apps while using public Wi-Fi. However, most to all apps don’t encrypt their data, and on an unsecured Wi-Fi network, anyone with basic wireless networking knowledge can access that information. Therefore, avoid using apps that require logins and inputting other sensitive information while on public Wi-Fi.
Most consumers allow their devices to automatically detect and connect to Wi-Fi networks while they are out and about. This can unintentionally lead them to connect to rogue hotspots cybercriminals will create in the hopes that unsuspecting consumers will connect to them and use them unencrypted.
What One SHOULD Do When Using Public Wi-Fi
Preferably, one should use a virtual private network (VPN), such as that offered by Norton Secure VPN, in order to encrypt all data that is being sent on that public Wi-Fi network. Whether a consumer uses a VPN or not while using public Wi-Fi, there are steps to take to boost one’s safety while using public Wi-Fi networks.
First, if one must input sensitive data into a website while he/she is on-the-go, ensure that site uses HTTPS so that the information is encrypted and can’t be intercepted and used while on the public Wi-Fi network. Additionally, the consumer should manually log out when finished; don’t just leave the website when one is finished with his/her task.
Second, he/she always use HTTPS sites, not apps, when on public Wi-Fi, since data on those sites is encrypted, whereas data on apps rarely is. Third, he/she should manually connect to any Wi-Fi networks; don’t allow one’s device to automatically connect the device to a network. Fourth, he/she should ask the owner or employee of the business where one is located the actual name of the business’ public Wi-Fi network so that the person connects to the right Wi-Fi network and not a rogue hotspot where a cybercriminal can gain access to sensitive information.
Finally, a user should disable file sharing on his/her device so that no files or information can pass between one device on a public Wi-Fi network and his/her device on that same network. This will lessen the chances malware/ransomware will get on the user’s device and compromise the user.
The best advice is to sign up to an established VPN like Norton Secure VPN to encrypt all data while on a public Wi-Fi network. With or without one’s own VPN, steps like only inputting sensitive information when necessary on sites using HTTPS and logging out when finished can help to keep a user’s sensitive information safe. Ensuring one logs onto the right public Wi-Fi network can also help keep consumers safe when using public Wi-Fi. Knowing the do’s and don’ts of using public Wi-Fi is key to keeping sensitive personal information safe and enjoying one’s Internet experience while on-the-go.