These days, people are constantly using public Wi-Fi, whether in a cafe, gym, train station, library, or any other public place. While there are many benefits to using public Wi-Fi, especially when working remotely, you must also be aware of the risks. Cybercrime is on the rise and unsecured public Wi-Fi networks can put your sensitive data at risk. With this in mind, this post will show you how to start using public Wi-Fi safely for protection and peace of mind.
Choose Trusted Hotspots
First, make sure you are connecting to trusted hotspots over unknown networks. It is vital that you select reliable sources, such as places with the Friendly Wi-Fi certified symbol or known brands, and are wary of any suspicious or copycat names. Recent incidents like the train station Wi-Fi hijacking at London Euston and Manchester Piccadilly highlight the need for caution and how even trusted, established spaces like this can be vulnerable.
Use a VPN
One of the best ways to ensure safety when connecting to public Wi-Fi is to use a virtual private network (VPN). A VPN encrypts all of your internet traffic and creates a secure connection, which can prevent eavesdropping even on insecure networks. You can use a VPN Chrome extension for browser-level protection that protects you while you surf the web using Google Chrome.
Stick to Secure Connections
It is also important to consider the connections when browsing the web. For instance, make sure that you are only visiting websites with HTTPS and look for the padlock icon in the URL bar. It is also a good idea to disable file-sharing features and avoid any sensitive tasks, such as online banking, when on an open network – activities like this should always be done on your secure connection at home.
Don’t Access Sensitive Data
Following on from this, you should avoid accessing any kind of sensitive data when connected to public Wi-Fi. This means that you should not log in to your banking apps or access sensitive work files when connected to public Wi-Fi. This will never be as secure as your home network, so activities like this should always wait.
The information in this post should be useful and help you connect to public Wi-Fi with confidence, whether you are working in a library or simply checking your emails while waiting for a train. Cybercrime is a growing issue, so it is essential that you are aware of the risks and know how to stay safe while out and about.
