Here we are going to list 10 things that you must know if you are connected to public WiFi, because the public network can be a trap and can play with your privacy. Use the guide and stay alert from certain threats that can be there in the public WiFi. So follow all the tips to proceed.
Sometimes WiFi doesn’t provide you convenience when you move out of your place. In case we need and want to access something anytime and anyplace, you need connectivity, and we probably go to public network around, but it can cost you more. That is why we are here with a guide. We’ve mentioned below ten tips for staying safe on public WiFi.
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10 Things To Know If You Are Connected To Public Wifi
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#1 Check the authenticity
Always write the correct network name and password by asking the owner of the Wi-Fi hotspot. Be cautious if no WPA or WPA2 is not present as this will show you that the connection is unencrypted. Always pay attention to potentially every parody hotspots that are almost close to the original one.
#2 Look for HTTPS
You must make certain that the web pages you are visiting must be https encrypted. You can even tell this by looking for https at the start of the URL address bar or for the security padlock sign. This designates you that the website or the particular web page has some valid digital certificate and even to the point SSL/TLS encryption which will help in reducing the Man-in-the-Middle Attack (MITM) to occur. In case no encryption is applied, logology out especially when you are doing something sensitive such as online banking.
You must pay observance to the mobile sites as they don’t allow any guarantee period.
#3 Patch before you go
Patching and updating software on a daily basis is a crucial security application in a case of Wi-Fi facility. Updating your web browser, software, and antivirus solution is a continuous process to fix bugs whereas a popular antivirus engine will scan, detect and will eliminate the latest bugs and threats. Sometimes attackers indulge normal people by tricking them into downloading something which shows to be a software update, in fact, take advantage of poor pitching.
#4 Avoid accessing sensitive information
Public Wi-Fi must not be used to access email, online banking transactions, and credit card accounts or any other type of sensitive information. This all work must be done at your home where only both password and firewall protected routers are delivered.
#5 Manually Select Wi-fi networks
You must be ensured that you must select a Wi-Fi network yourself in your laptop, tablet, smartphone rather than they connect automatically. You must also turn off sharing and Wi-Fi capabilities when your network is not in use as it exploits all cybercriminals in your network.
You must ensure that you click on “forget” networks if they are no longer in use as this will otherwise reconnect your device when back in that area which will hamper your device information.
#6 Use a VPN
If you are a regular tourist and don’t have a dongle with yourself but still needs connectivity, prefer a virtual private network (VPN). This is the safest way of surfing the web in an encrypted manner. VPN solutions provide utmost encryption and security among your networks as well as masking your IP address so that phishing opportunities must reduce.
#7 Utilize Additional Security Tools
Usually, there is a much greater focus on online privacy. Depending on this, likes come on for Tor, VPNs, nd DoNotTrack. In the case of public wifi, you may find some extensions that are useful in forcing encryption on websites that are not encrypted by default.
#8 Adopt 2FA
Prefer to enable two-factor authentication wherever and whenever possible. 2FA is increasingly as the future of authentication and is wise for anyone who is using a hotspot. This add on an extra layer of security and privacy for public password-sniffing hackers to try and to overcome them.
#9 Pay attention to the name of network
Well, the name is the most important thing which you need to look for before connection to a wifi network. Well, Hackers usually use the same name of the network with a slight difference to trap victims. So, if you feel confused between the name of the network, it’s better not to connect with them.
#10 Have a Proper Antivirus Solution
Well, having a proper Antivirus solution is always the best option to avoid malicious practices implemented by hackers. Therefore, if you use to connect with Public wifi more often, then you need to install a proper Antivirus solution to save your device from false practices.
#11 Encrypt your Passwords
Encrypting your passwords are the second option, the first and the method is to safeguard your password is to avoid storing them on media devices. However, if it’s important to keep your passwords saved on the computer, then you need to encrypt them for better security.
#12 Log-out when finished
Avoid staying permanently signed into your personal accounts when accessing public Wi-Fi hotspot as you may leave it as such and log out for extra security basis after each session is done.
#13 Turn off Wi-fi if not required
If you seriously want security and at present, you are not active on the internet, simply turn off your Wi-fi. This is almost very easy in both cases Windows and OS X and will help in avoiding cybercriminals.
Also Read: How To Allow Only Selected Device To Connect To Wifi Network
So above are the 10 Things To Know If You Are Connected To Public Wifi., Use the guide and stay alert from certain threats that can be there in the public WiFi. Hope you like the guide, keep on sharing with others too. Leave a comment below if you have any related queries with this.
