How to use a public wifi network
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You're in between flights and you're on a deadline. That "Free Public Wi-Fi" sign on the wall next to your gate looks tempting, but you pause before logging in—don't hackers lurk on public Wi-Fi, just waiting for clueless passengers like you to offer up your personal information? Show
The answer is yes, they do. But that doesn't mean you have to give up public Wi-Fi altogether. There are plenty of ways to protect yourself and your sensitive info while using free public Wi-Fi. We'll explain how hackers use public Wi-Fi to sneak into your accounts, and we'll walk you through the steps you should take to fly under their radar and browse safely. How to safely use public Wi-FiUnderstand how hackers use public Wi-FiThe best way to beat a hacker is to think like one. Stay one step ahead by understanding how hackers and identity thieves try to take advantage of unsuspecting public Wi-Fi users.
Know the Wi-Fi you're using: Secured vs. unsecuredAnytime you use public Wi-Fi managed by someone else, it's always somewhat unsecured. Unlike your home Wi-Fi, you don't know who else has the password, so you don't know who else might be on the network with you. For that reason, you should treat every public Wi-Fi network as potentially unsafe.
Follow these 8 public Wi-Fi safety rulesJust like knowing the dangers of sun exposure doesn’t mean you should never go outside, knowing the security risks of using public Wi-Fi doesn't mean you should never use it. Here are your hat and sunscreen equivalents for enjoying public Wi-Fi: 1. Enable firewalls and antivirus software.Firewalls and antivirus software can warn you of suspicious websites and files, and protect your system against hackers trying to get at your data. 2. Turn off automatic connectivity features, including Bluetooth, before you log in to public Wi-Fi.Turn off all features on your phone, laptop, or tablet that allow your device to automatically connect with another device or public wireless networks. This includes file sharing, AirDrop, and printer sharing. 3. Choose your public Wi-Fi wisely.You want Wi-Fi that is secure, legitimate, and has as few users as possible. Look for a network that is password-protected, connected to a high-profile brand (like Starbucks), and tied to a business with small square footage. Password protection and small square footage limit the traffic on the network, and high-profile brands are more likely to run a tighter network ship because they have more to lose from a hacking scandal. 4. Never download or install anything while on public Wi-FiDon't click on any pop-up windows asking you to install or download something in order to log on to free public Wi-Fi. Don't download anything from the web, and always avoid doing any system upgrades or updates while on public Wi-Fi. 5. Look for the HTTPS padlock.When possible, make sure every site you use has that little "s" for "secure" after the HTTP in the web address and the padlock symbol to the left. HTTPS sites are more secure than HTTP sites because they use encryption to protect any data you might send to the site's server. 6. Don't input any personal information on any sites you visit on public Wi-Fi.Even with the HTTPS, it's still risky to input any personal info while you're using public Wi-Fi. 7. Limit the number of public Wi-Fi hotspots you use.Just like you limit your risk of catching a cold by avoiding the number of strangers' hands you shake in a day, you'll limit your exposure to public Wi-Fi danger by limiting the number of open networks you connect to. 8. Always "forget" the network after you use public Wi-Fi.Be sure to click the "forget network" option on your network preferences once you finish using an open network. This will prevent your device from automatically connecting to it again without your permission. Beef up your securityIf you've made it through the do's and don'ts and you'd still like to take advantage of free public Wi-Fi hotspots, here are a few additional security measures you can take to protect yourself out in the public Wi-Fi jungle.
Consider safer alternatives to public Wi-FiIf you've decided public Wi-Fi is too risky and you'd like to avoid it altogether, here are a few safer alternatives for you to consider.
FAQMITM stands for “Man in The Middle,” and an MITM attack is just what it sounds like: a hacker virtually places himself invisibly between your device and the server for a website you’re using. MITM attacks can happen when a hacker is sharing a public network with you. Not always. Most companies’ mobile apps don’t have the level of encryption that their HTTPS websites do. If you have to use your phone to conduct transactions involving sensitive info, it’s best to use your browser and go directly to the website instead. Yes. VPNs are an effective protective measure for devices whose users may not be as vigilant about potential threats. If you want to increase internet safety for kids, installing a VPN on their device is a good way to allow them to still access public Wi-Fi without running the risk of them accidentally being hacked. VPNs are also good for keeping seniors safe online. Related articles on SafeWiseWritten by Kasey Tross Kasey is a trained Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) member and a freelance writer with expertise in emergency preparedness and security. As the mother of four kids, including two teens, Kasey knows the safety concerns parents face as they raise tech-savvy kids in a connected world, and she loves to research the latest security options for her own family and for SafeWise readers. Recent ArticlesHow can I connect to free public WiFi?How to Get Free WiFi Anywhere. Share Your Smartphone's Internet Connection.. Use a Hotspot Database App.. Buy a Portable Router.. Visit Popular WiFi Hotspot Locations.. Look for Hidden WiFi Networks.. Is it safe to use a public WiFi?“Generally, using public WiFi is safe so long as your computer is up to date and you encrypt all of your data,” said Eric Rescorla, chief technology officer at Firefox-maker Mozilla.
Where can I access public WiFi?Check a hotspot map
You can also find it at local libraries, laundromats, parks, restaurants, and churches—though they don't always advertise it. Even more annoyingly, some of them are protected with passwords so only customers can access the network.
Is public WiFi free?They are nearly everywhere — airports, restaurants, coffee shops, libraries, public transit, hotel rooms, you name it. Using these free Wi-Fi hotspots is super convenient, allowing you to access online accounts, catch up on work, and check emails while on the go.
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