Public Wi-Fi can be convenient, but it can also be dangerous if you don’t know how to protect yourself. Unsecured public networks are an easy target for hackers looking to steal your confidential information.
Using your local cafe’s wifi is a super risky endeavor, because according Kaspersky Labs, “the more than one fourth (28%) of public wi-fi networks are unsecured and poses a risk to users’ personal data”.
To keep your browsing secure and protect your data, you need to take a few extra steps when using public Wi-Fi.
Choose A Secure Network
The first step to protecting yourself is choosing the right network. If a network is not password protected or has a weak password, avoid it. It’s best to stick with networks that require you to enter a username and password or have other security measures in place.
If possible, look for networks that use WPA2 encryption or have some kind of two-factor authentication. These will offer the most protection from malicious attacks.
Secure Your Device
To further protect yourself from cybercriminals, make sure your device is secure as well. This means keeping all of your software up-to-date and running antivirus software on your computer and mobile devices.
Additionally, make sure you’re using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) when connecting to a public Wi-Fi network. A VPN will encrypt all the data sent between your device and the internet so that no one can intercept it or access your confidential information without permission.
Be Careful What You Download
Finally, always be careful what you download while connected to public Wi-Fi networks. Don’t open any suspicious emails or click on any links from unknown sources as these could contain viruses or malware that can compromise your device security as well as put your personal files at risk of being stolen by hackers.
Always ensure that whatever file you are downloading is legitimate and trustworthy before clicking “OK”!
Conclusion:
Security should always be a top priority when using public Wi-Fi networks; otherwise, you run the risk of having sensitive information like passwords and credit card numbers stolen by hackers.
Following these simple tips will help ensure that your browsing remains secure even when using insecure public networks: choose a secure network; secure your device; and be careful what you download onto it! With just a few extra steps, you can protect yourself from malicious attacks while surfing the web on public Wi-Fi.
