Free Wi-Fi is available in shopping malls,
airports, restaurants, coffee shops, libraries, public transport, hotel rooms -
you name it. These networks are used by millions of people on a daily basis.
According to a recent survey by ITRC (Interstate Technology and Regulatory
Council), three out of four respondents said they use free public Wi-Fi.
You might love public Wi-Fi, but so do
hackers! So, if you use public Wi-Fi without adequate protection, you’re
essentially risking your online identity and money.
Five Tips to Keep Your Data Safe on
Public Wi-Fi
1. Verify the Network; Configure and
Turn off Sharing - Remember that hackers are very clever, so it’s better
to surf and play smart. Important thing to consider, when connected to the
public internet, do you really need to have sharing preferences turned on?
Obviously, not! So right after you verify the network, turn off the file
sharing option.
2. Use a VPN - A VPN (Virtual Private
Network) is the most secure option to surf on public networks. VPNs encrypt
your data traffic and act as a protected tunnel between the client (browser)
and server. All the data passing through the tunnel won’t be visible to hackers
and they won’t be able to access your information and the activities you do
online.
3. Use HTTPS - If you don’t have access to
a VPN, making sure you are only visiting encrypted sites can also help protect
your data from threats. Look for HTTPS at the beginning of a website’s address.
This means the connection between the browser and the web server is encrypted
4. Keep the Firewall Enabled - Turning on
the firewall can prevent hackers’ unauthorized external access to your system.
A firewall won’t provide complete protection, but it’s a setting that should
always be enabled. A firewall also acts as a barrier that protects your device
from data-based malware threats.
5. Use Antivirus - Antivirus can help
protect you while using public Wi-Fi by detecting malware that might get into
your system while using the shared network.
Other than mentioned above tips, here are some
more recommended tips of keeping your system secure on public Wi-Fi:
Always turn off automatic connection.
Always check forget network after using
public Wi-Fi.
Don’t run financial transactions over
public networks.
And most importantly! Instead of using
these insecure networks, it is better to use your smartphone as a hotspot.
Digital security is important, and we need to
understand the risks of public Wi-Fi. This may prevent internet users and our
loved ones from falling victim to data thefts. These tips are simple, easy,
relatively inexpensive and could save you from cyber-criminals at any public
place. Contact XCLOUD now for knowing more about Cyber security and Managed
Wi-Fi services.
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *