The Best Dos and Don'ts of Using Public WiFi
WiFi is widely available in public places such as airports, coffee shops, and libraries. While this convenience is nice, it's important to be aware of the risks involved in using public WiFi. In this article, we'll discuss public vs private WiFi and the major dos and don'ts for staying safe on public WiFi.
What is public WiFi vs private WiFi?
Public WiFi is a wireless network that is open to anyone who wishes to use it, while private WiFi is a wireless network that is only accessible to authorized users.
Public WiFi can be a great way to stay connected when you're out and about, but there are some things you need to keep in mind before using it. It is a very easy way for hackers to get your information and slip out undetected because they are in a public space.
Another thing to keep in mind when using public WiFi is bandwidth consumption. If lots of people are using the network at the same time, it can slow down and even crash. So, try to limit your usage if possible.
Private WiFi is a great way to stay safe and secure when you're online. It's password-protected, so only authorized users can access it, and it's much more reliable than public WiFi networks. This makes it a good option for doing sensitive transactions like online banking or shopping, or for accessing confidential information.
However, private WiFi can also be expensive, depending on the provider, and like public WiFi networks, it can also be susceptible to security risks. Be sure to use strong passwords and update them regularly and make sure your antivirus software is up-to-date.
Major DOs of using public WiFi
DO Limit Bluetooth Sharing
While Airdrop and other Bluetooth file-sharing features are very convenient, it's important to remember that you should limit who and what can be shared with you. When using public networks around strangers, always disable those file-sharing features on your devices to prevent hackers from secretly sharing malicious files with you.
DO Use a VPN (Virtual Private Network)
When you use a VPN, it encrypts all the data passing through the network, creating a private tunnel. This makes it much harder for cybercriminals to intercept your data. Even though using a VPN gives you an extra layer of protection, you should still avoid risky activities online.
DO Stick to the Networks You Know
If you're looking for a safe way to connect to the internet, try sticking to well-known networks from the business you are at or reputable ones near you. Because they are more established, these WiFi networks are less likely to be operated by hackers or scammers. Additionally, because these companies want customers to return again and again, they're likely more invested in maintaining robust cybersecurity protocols.
Do Use Cellular Data Instead
Accessing the internet through your cell phone network is much more secure than using public WiFi. Convert your cell into a hotspot for any activities where you need to enter or receive private information. By default, mobile hotspots come with a strong password enabled, which isn't the case for public networks.
Although using public WiFi networks is convenient, it also puts you at risk. The best way to protect yourself is simply to avoid these networks; however, if you must use one of them, following these safety tips will help.
Major DON'Ts of using public WiFi
The first step to safely using public WiFi is knowing what activities to avoid at all costs. Here are six of the riskiest things you should avoid doing when public WiFi is present:
DO NOT Give Away Too Much Personal Information
If a public WiFi network is asking for your email address or phone number, be careful before you input that information. If you still need to connect to the network, make sure it's somewhere trustworthy and use an alternative email address.
DO NOT access websites that are not encrypted.
Any data sent to and from your website's server is automatically encrypted when you use HTTPS, making it inaccessible to anyone who tries to intercept it. You can tell if a website is using HTTPS by looking for the lock icon next to the URL in the search bar, or by checking that the web address starts with https (not http).
DO NOT shop online or enter your credit card information.
Scam artists tend to take the shortest route possible to get private information and this is an easy way for them to get it. Hackers can quickly intercept this type of information to commit theft and fraud.
DO NOT use free, public WiFi to connect to your office network.
This is cybersecurity 101. If you don't take the necessary precautions, it is easy for hackers to use a cyber attack to access your system and steal sensitive information from your organization.
DO NOT enable automatic connection to nearby WiFi networks.
Have you ever stepped into a coffee shop that you only go to once per year, and somehow are still able to connect to their WiFi? Even though it's convenient, it also puts you at risk of having your data stolen without realizing it. Hackers could have intercepted the network since the last time you used it, or your device might automatically connect to a fake Wi-Fi network that looks identical.
DO NOT access websites and services that contain sensitive data.
While this may seem like common sense, you would be surprised how many people don't realize that they should avoid logging into personal accounts when using public WiFi. This includes everything from online banking and email to social media sites. Basically, any site that requires you to log in with personal data is a no-go on public WiFi networks.
When you’re out and about, public WiFi can be a lifesaver. It lets you stay connected when there isn’t a signal available or when your data plan is running low. However, public WiFi can also be dangerous if you’re not careful.
In this article, we’ve outlined the dos and don'ts of public WiFi so that you can stay safe online when using these networks. Follow these tips to keep your information secure and avoid being hacked while using public WiFi. If you need help with understanding cyber threats and your IT security, contact Ozark Technology.
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