Hotspots and Public Wi-Fi

Public Wi Fi is famous with its easily availability and free access. Any person with their computer or other devices can access Public Wi -Fi. Public Wi -Fi could be found in convenient places such as universities, libraries, airports, coffee shops and hotels. In the case when you connect to Public Wi -Fi there is a threat that someone might access the data you are sending to your colleague or boss.

To protect your data while we are using Public Wi-Fi, send your information to only to sites that are trusted and fully encrypted, and avoid using mobile apps that require personal and financial information.

Regardless what we are doing connecting to Public Wi -Fi considered incredibly dangerous. There are some suggestions while you are connected to Public Wi – Fi.

• Do not touch any of your personally identifiable information (PII)
• Use virtual private networks (VPN) instead
• Turn of sharing

·       Be aware
Public Wi-Fi is inherently insecure — so be cautious. 

·       Remember — any device could be at risk
Laptops, smartphones and tablets are all susceptible to the wireless security risks. 

·       Treat all Wi-Fi links with suspicion
Don’t just assume that the Wi-Fi link is legitimate. It could be a bogus link that has been set up by a cybercriminal that’s trying to capture valuable, personal information from unsuspecting users. Question everything — and don’t connect to an unknown or unrecognised wireless access point. 

·       Try to verify it’s a legitimate wireless connection
Some bogus links — that have been set up by malicious users — will have a connection name that’s deliberately similar to the coffee shop, hotel or venue that’s offering free Wi-Fi. If you can speak with an employee at the location that’s providing the public Wi-Fi connection, ask for information about their legitimate Wi-Fi access point — such as the connection’s name and IP address. 

·       Use a VPN (virtual private network)
By using a VPN when you connect to a public Wi-Fi network, you’ll effectively be using a ‘private tunnel’ that encrypts all of your data that passes through the network. This can help to prevent cybercriminals — that are lurking on the network — from intercepting your data. 

·       Avoid using specific types of website
It’s a good idea to avoid logging into websites where there’s a chance that cybercriminals could capture your identity, passwords or personal information — such as social networking sites, online banking services or any websites that store your credit card information. 

·       Consider using your mobile phone
If you need to access any websites that store or require the input of any sensitive information — including social networking, online shopping and online banking sites — it may be worthwhile accessing them via your mobile phone network, instead of the public Wi-Fi connection. 

·       Protect your device against cyberattacks
Make sure all of your devices are protected by a  rigorous anti-malware and security solution  — and ensure that it’s updated as regularly as possible.