There are steps to verify your home wireless network is secure, like setting a router password, granting access to devices, and encrypting your data. Encryption scrambles the data sent between the server and your device to ensure no one can read it. But when hanging out, you have no choice but to connect to public wifi.
Unfortunately, only some public wifi is secure; some may need to be more robust to protect you from hostile drifters. Public networks are set up by people you don’t know, and you can’t leave your data lying around with unknown people.
Some malicious people seek to steal your data for their gain. In this blog post, we’ll provide tips on keeping your data secure while using public wifi hotspots so that you have peace of mind knowing that your details are safe from potential hackers or cyber-attacks.
How to secure your data while using public wifi hotspots?
1. Use a VPN
A VPN is a secure way to remain hidden online. The app keeps you above hackers’ radars, making it hard to detect your activities. A VPN encrypts any data you use online with unreadable codes. Hackers can’t access these codes or read your information.
Read more: What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of a VPN?
There are many VPN apps on the market. Ensure you choose an app from a reputable company and subscribe to make the security stronger. The extra security is worth paying for as it provides free solutions and more for your device.
- It encrypts your data
- Block companies from storing your data
- Stop suspicious activities, etc.
However, some VPNs are downright doggy, so you must be careful when buying one. Generally, VPNs are created to keep your IP address undetected on the network.
For example, the VPNs listed at EarthWeb allow users to get a Minnesota IP, which is just a phrase for masking and hiding your location, preventing websites from tracking or blocking you. So people can’t track, steal, or see what you’re doing with a VPN.
2. Avoid Logging Into Sensitive Accounts
The most convenient way to lose sensitive accounts is to use public wifi. Ensure you use a trusted URL if you log on to a site that requests your details, such as your email address, banking details, credit card details, or phone number.
Moreover, many companies that offer public wifi are storing your data for their marketing campaigns. There are many steps to remain secure on public wifi:
- Ensure you limit your logins to a few routers
- Use a VPN when on a public network to encrypt your data
- Register on secure networks as a member
- You can also use an alternative email on skeptical networks
These are a few ways to keep your sensitive information private on public wifi.
3. Be Aware of Fake Wi-Fi Networks
The internet sensation is everywhere, making it accessible to everyone. However, many fraudulent organizations have taken advantage of this opportunity to set up bogus wifi networks in order to steal sensitive information.
These fake WiFi networks are no different from the regular ones, making them hard to detect. Once it affects your device, they can control malicious activities without your consent.
Read more: Best Performing wi-fi Routers
In essence, be careful on wifi networks that you use for your online activities, especially when exchanging banking details, personal information, or credit card details. Another way is to ensure a staff member confirms a skeptical network before you log in.
4. Keep Your Antivirus Software Up-to-Date
Antivirus software is another way to keep your privacy intact on public wifi. This software detects malware that finds its way to your device while on a shared network. Many people connect to public WiFi, making it easy for malware to operate. An antivirus is your ticket out of their control. The software protects your device by:
- Sending you a notification on suspicious activity
- Ad block
- Scan virus
- Verify links or attachments
- Confirm pop-ups
They do this efficiently by leveraging the presence of malware on the network. So, ensure you install an antivirus on your system and keep it up-to-date, especially on a device where you store your personal information.
Check the: 7 Best Android Antivirus Apps
5. Be Careful About What You Download
The download is another way malware gets into your device because public networks contain viruses, malware, and other malicious software. This software secretly installed itself on your device as a bug. Then, the bug begins traveling on your device and affecting important files.
In the end, you’ll have to debug your files, which will cost you money. So ensure you stop any download file or website you’re unsure of on public wifi. In addition, avoid clicking any links or attachments on your email, sites, or message unless you are sure. This is a common method hackers use to get information.
Leave a comment