Table of Contents
- Public Wi-Fi Is Unsafe
- How to Encrypt Information
- HTTPS Sites
- Use VPNs
- Opt for Mobile Data
- How to Protect Data When Using Public Wi-Fi?
- What Does this Mean?
When you are outside and need an internet connection, accessing public Wi-Fi is an easy solution. You can find free or paid wireless connections at libraries, coffee shops, restaurants, hotels, airports, malls, and other locations. However, while public wireless connections may be convenient, they aren’t always secure. Choose from any of the AT&T bundles that offer high-speed and secure internet connections. However, if you need to use public Wi-Fi networks to receive and transmit information, there is a chance that someone else may be able to see it too.
Public Wi-Fi Is Unsafe
At your home, your Wi-Fi network is safe and secure as you can take various steps to ensure increased security. You can set up a strong password to access the router, turn on encryption, and limit the number of devices that you can connect to the network. The encryption feature can scramble the information that you transmit over the internet to ensure no one else can read it but the intended receiver. That’s not the case when you are using a public connection.
Why is Wi-Fi security so important? Well, if you use an unsecured network, or access an unencrypted website, other users on that network can see what you see. They can also observe what you send and maybe even access your secure login details. They can hack into your system and use several hacking tools that are meant to take advantage of unsuspecting users. To keep yourself safe from falling victim to any danger, you need to be aware of the risks that come with using a public wireless connection.
Think about it. Once a scammer gains access to your private information, they can use it to impersonate you on other websites to gain access to your accounts on various social media apps and even your email accounts. If you have any financial details saved in any of these accounts, they could use it to steal your identity.
You need to remember that when you log in to a public network, you may be agreeing to share your information with the provider. In airports or hotels, users are required to install a digital certificate to allow them to use the internet. It is meant to scan your system for any malware or viruses, but the certificate also reads your traffic and keeps a record of your online activity.
What can you do to keep yourself safe? Some steps have been detailed for you below.
How to Encrypt Information
You can’t make a public network more secure. But you can take measures to keep yourself safe in the midst of all the other users.
HTTPS Sites
To ensure that you are connecting to the websites securely, ensure that the address of the web contains https. In most cases, this is a good indicator of a safe website. However, not all websites with https are legitimate. Hackers have become more creative and know that amateurs may assume every website with https to be secure. They have begun to use https for their websites as well. So while your data may be encrypted, it won’t be safe from those running the site.
Use VPNs
VPNs, virtual private networks, help in encrypting your information when you are sending it over the internet. You can download a VPN app online or add it as an extension to your browser to protect yourself from scammers.
Opt for Mobile Data
Instead of using public networks, it is advisable to use your mobile data if you need to access the internet. If you have no VPN or have no access to a secure site, your mobile data can help you safely access the internet. This is helpful in case you need to access sensitive information urgently and need to ensure that your data remains safe.
How to Protect Data When Using Public Wi-Fi?
Some of the simplest ways to guarantee protection when using a public wireless network have been listed below:
- Avoid accessing your personal and financial information on public networks.
- Always assume that the public network is unsafe to maintain your guard.
- Log in to websites that you know are encrypted. Don’t take a risk by accessing unencrypted websites online as hackers have also started using https for unsafe sites as well. Ensure that from the moment you log in to the moment you log out, your visit is encrypted.
- Don’t stay signed in to your accounts when you are not using the website. Sign out once you have completed your task.
- Avoid using the same password for every website. If a scammer gains access to one website, they will be able to access your information across various apps.
- Many of us have a bad habit of ignoring warnings that are generated for some sites or downloads. Take the warnings seriously. Avoid any suspicious websites, and don’t download any content without first updating your antivirus software.
- Disable the setting to connect to any nearby open Wi-Fi connection automatically. Instead, use your mobile data or opt for a secure network to remain safe as you surf the internet.
- Install plug-ins that can help you in case you don’t have enough information about the threats that you may be exposed to. These plugins can warn you about malicious sites and force users to use encryption even if the websites are not encrypted.
- Avoid using AirDrop or sharing files online. While it can be fun to receive random messages from others, you may mistakenly share sensitive information with random users or receive unwanted and malicious messages from others.
- If you travel a lot and need constant access to the internet, you can download a VPN to maintain secure connections.
What Does This Mean?
Public networks can be a bother, and it’s important to keep yourself safe from the numerous threats. Instead of relying on unsafe connections, make your life easier by opting for any AT&T bundles that offer high-speed and secure internet connections. Some packages also offer DIRECTV STREAM to stream TV shows without any lags or delays. Don’t wait anymore, and sign up for any one of the bundles today!
click here for more articles.