Accessing the Internet is no longer a difficult task. In fact, you can access it almost anywhere. Wireless routers are so common these days. A majority of people prefer connecting to wireless connections when they are looking to surf the Internet.
A lot of countries are offering free WiFi. Besides, the number of cities around the world which offer this facility are quite high. So, it is not difficult for you to access public WiFi to surf the Web.
But before you start using public WiFi, ask yourself a simple question: Do you really want to use public WiFi?
This is, of course, a relevant question. That’s because there are various dangers associated with public WiFi connections. Many of them are known to be infested by hackers. And if you fall prey to any of them, they are going to steal your personal information and other necessary data. The stolen data might be used for some nefarious purpose as well, you never know. So, it is essential to remain alert, so that your safety is not compromised online.
How will You Remain Safe on Public WiFi?
Remaining safe on public WiFi is extremely important. But one thing is for sure: it is not that difficult either. All you need to do is follow a few steps to ensure that you’re not hacked on public WiFi and you’re safe when you access the Internet using it. And you have to keep the settings of your phone in a perfect mode. The objective will be to make your mobile device hack-proof.
Here’s a quick look at some of those steps.
Turn the Sharing Option Off
Are you sharing any stuff through WiFi? It might be music, files, or anything. While you are using the Internet-friendly device at your home, you might also enable the option for remote login. But if you are keeping the sharing option open even while accessing the Internet through public WiFi, you are surely getting yourself into some kind of trouble. That’s because anyone else who is close to your device will have the opportunity to hack it through a public WiFi network. So, it’s better you turn the sharing off on the device to keep the hackers at bay.
Avail Yourself of a Virtual Private Network
Heard of a virtual private network (VPN)? That’s surely the most secure way of browsing the Internet by accessing the network through public WiFi hotspots.
So, why should you use VPN while connecting to the Internet through public WiFi?
Because VPN is known to channel your connection through a series of security options. This ensures that the hackers are not able to access your network with ease.
If you are accessing a number of unknown websites on a regular basis, getting a VPN protection can be a good idea. You’ll find a number of VPN service providers. Choose one of them prudently to get maximum protection.
Stop Connecting Automatically to Public WiFi Networks
What kind of mobile device are you using to connect with free public WiFi connection? No matter what the type is, most of such devices have settings, which make them connect with an available public WiFi connection automatically.
This can lead to hacking issues. If your mobile device gets connected to a hotspot offering free public WiFi where hackers prey, you might end up losing your important data and information to the hackers.
So, it is extremely important that you stop your devices from getting connected to the WiFi hotspots automatically, especially when you are in the vicinity of free public WiFi. A few tweaks in the settings of the device can help you achieve this.
Instead of getting connected automatically, you should choose between the available networks manually and find the right one to access the Internet safely.
Use HTTPS in Place of HTTP
The use of http is popular among most websites. This protocol transfers data in form of plain text. So, this is not difficult for the hackers to get access to. So, it is essential that you find out some other type of protocol to keep the information safe. Otherwise, you might end up losing the password of your email account or even your bank account.
The best way to solve this issue is to move from HTTP to HTTPS if you’re not already using it. You can also enable an SSL. It is going to encrypt all the data, which passes through your server. Thus, it will remain safe from the access of the hackers.
Public WiFi is common these days. And it seems a bit too good an opportunity to ignore. But a lot of such public WiFi networks have hacking issues. So, it is vital to follow proper steps to keep the hackers at bay. And this can be done even when you are using a public WiFi network.
Hacker Photo via Shutterstock
Aira Bongco
I always make it a point to re-check my network settings to make sure that no one has access to it. I just recently found out about this when I encountered a student who can access PCs even without a password. It is alarming.
Gary
I always wondered how governments can be so easy on its people by providing free wifi internet. Ofcourse they have got to get some kind of benefit from it. It’s like that person of interest tv show coming true in real life. Anyhow WiFi security is a must, I am safe with free apps of PureVPN, planning to get the premium package soon. Way to go Freedom seekers!