How to Stay Safe on Public Wi-Fi?
Free Wi-Fi
spots are available everywhere. They are a great convenience when you are
traveling, going on a vacation and much more. People tend to search for public
Wi-Fi and connect their device to it without even ensuring any safety. Free
Wi-Fi is a blessing especially when you are outdoors. Ever thought why are they
available freely? It has a reason, some of them may not be secure and are
always busy in seeking out personal information. Connecting to the unsecured
internet can leave you vulnerable. Stay at bay from the dangers of free Wi-Fi
by following these simple steps:
1.
Always Go for the right and secure
network.
Every public
Wi-Fi is not created the same way. Free Wi-Fi networks are provided by the
stores, retailers, coffee shops and your favorite restaurants too. But the
worst among them is the “Free Airport Wi-Fi network” loitering in the
background. It is better to opt for the previous ones because they are
comparatively more secure. If you are at the Airport and curious to use Wi-Fi,
then use tools like WiFox and other mobile apps to figure out networks at
Airport and select which one to use and which one to avoid. Try to prevent
systems that say, ‘Free Wi-Fi here’ and ‘Absolutely Free Internet.’
2.
Practice Good Internet Hygiene
This is
probably the biggest piece of advice to be given. Practicing good internet
hygiene is essential. Try not to work with sensitive data when you are using
unsecured public Wi-Fi. You can see the news and read the blog you like but
resist yourself to do online banking. Although there are methods to secure
yourself precaution is always better than the cure.
3.
Use Semi-Open Wi-Fi network as a
substitute
Sometimes
you do not have any choice, and you have to check that critical file sent to
you. Try to go to “semi-open” Wi-Fi rather than the completely open
networks. Go for the ones that serve
airport lounges and the nearby coffee shops that put their passwords on receipt
or have hidden SSIDs. You also have the choice to turn to Google Places or go
for good old FourSquare to search for passwords.
4.
Turn off the Airdrop options and File
sharing
Edward Lewis is a creative person who has been
writing blogs and articles about cyber security. He writes about the
latest updates regarding mcafee.com/activate and
how it can improve the work experience
of users. His articles have been published in many popular
e-magazines, blogs and websites.
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