Almost all public platforms, airports, libraries, parks, and coffee shops have free Wi-Fi services. Most visitors love the facility and ignore all the potential cybersecurity issues they might have to face surfing through the public Wi-Fi. These hotspots are risky and can significantly contribute to huge data losses and identity thefts. In case you need to surf through the free public Wi-Fi, make sure to follow these 5 holistic steps to ensure online safety and internet security.
1. Check the credentials of the Wi-Fi.
Reputable platforms like restaurants and airports provide Wi-Fi credentials either in black and white, or there are huge signboards that display such information. While scanning Wi-Fi connections, make sure to verify the credentials and other login information including Wi-Fi name, password complexity, and security protocols. Do not connect to a Wi-Fi network if the spelling is slightly different, incorrect, or has a difference in the use of lowercase and uppercase letters. There are times when hackers and cyber attackers create these dummy Wi-Fi networks with duplicate names – but they are not actually Wi-Fi networks. Once a user mistakenly connects their device to the network and provides personal information, the hacker can get unauthorized access to the device and can misuse the users’ data in any illegal or unethical way. Always verify the logo on the website, the SSID of the Wi-Fi network, the interface of the webpage and even if everything looks fine, do not ever provide your personal details.
2. Use a VPN.Â
Public Wi-Fi networks are easily accessible by anyone, which means that any intruder can penetrate the network and sniff data packets. A VPN can protect users on public Wi-Fi by encrypting the entire online traffic exchanged between the device and the network. Reliable VPN service like iProVPN masks IP Address, which is the most important part of your unique digital identity. It helps users surf via the public Wi-Fi anonymously and there are significantly lesser chances of data leaks and identity thefts. You should access the internet via a fast VPN server especially if you are viewing geo-restricted content. It guarantees internet safety and uses highest-grade industry-standard, AES 256-bit encryption for 100% privacy.
3. Use an Antivirus.Â
Install an efficient antivirus program like Bitdefender or McAfee on your device to block malicious content and adware. It is not advisable to download content: documents and media while surfing via public networks. However, if it is an urgent matter and downloading files or folders is the only option, then ensure your antivirus is active, and scanning the attachments. If you habitually browse using public Wi-Fi, make sure to download an antivirus that does not crash while a VPN runs in the background. The antivirus itself should be ad-free, and should timely generate reports identifying potential data leaks and breaches.
4. Do not install apps.Â
When browsing via Public Wi-Fi, avoid installing apps and software programs, from verified or unknown publishers no matter how important the app is. Most apps request the device to grant permissions access media, storage, contacts, microphone etc and so there are higher chances of these apps inviting malware to your device. Once the malware enters your device or leaks sensitive information about your device, an attacker can spoof the patterns of your online behavior, hack and misuse your social media accounts and perform suspicious financial activities after impersonating you.
5. Do not access banking platforms on Public Wi-Fi.Â
Banking platforms require the most sensitive credentials to log in and proceed. Plus, if by chance any bounty hunter gets access to your user ID, password and credit card number, he can not only cause you a huge financial loss, he can also fund terrorist activities using your identity. No matter how secure you think that public Wi-Fi connection is, never ever login your banking ID or provide debit/credit card numbers or other payment details. We also recommend users to refrain from online shopping when on a public Wi-Fi and suggest to not browser websites that use cookies and autofill user details.
Digital security is important and once compromised, hackers and attackers can not only damage your online identity but can cause you huge financial and reputation loss. Cybercrimes are not only limited to devices. Their results are far-reaching and the consequences can affect your personal and professional life. Therefore, maintain complete privacy and anonymity when browsing online, and especially when surfing through public Wi-Fi.