Public wifi networks are becoming increasingly common nowadays. Everywhere you go, be it a workspace, a cafe, a library or the airport, you will find access to a public wifi network. These networks help multiple users and devices to connect to the internet using a valid user id and password. These networks are useful in making internet connections easily available for people, allowing them access to it and providing them with fast speeds and a good quality network. Public networks can be secured or unsecured. In unsecured networks, you do not require a password to access the network but secured networks require a specific user id and password. Both these types of networks are beneficial in their way. We use these public networks without giving them much thought as they are convenient and easily available. However, not all public networks are reliable. They can be used to hack into your data and gain access to your personal information. While public networks are helpful, one should access them carefully. Here are a few ways in which you can protect your privacy on public wifi networks:
1. Verifying the Network Before Use
Nowadays, there are a lot of networks that are used to hack into people’s data and use it for unethical activities. These networks are everywhere and hence it is very important to be wary of them. Imposter networks are easy to spot, they usually have vague names and are not secure. You should always check the credibility of a network before accessing it to stay away from malicious users and activities.
2. Avoid Entering Personal Information
While using a public wifi network, it is advisable not to make online bank transactions or logging into personal accounts. Although a public wifi network may be secure, entering your personal information while on such networks is an open invitation for malicious users to access and misuse your information. Thus it is best not to carry out activities that will require you to enter your personal information while on public networks.
3. Turn Off Automatic Connections
While traveling with your device, it is important to keep the automatic connections feature off. This is because it can connect to unwanted networks automatically and allow these networks access to your personal information or data. It is also recommended to use the forget network feature after using a public wifi network so that your device doesn’t connect to the network automatically the next time you are around it.
4. Use A VPN
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) helps you keep your personal information safe while accessing a public network. It is considered to be one of the safest protection options to use while surfing on public networks. A VPN acts as a protective tool between the browser and the server and also encrypts your data traffic. This will help your online activities and data to be masked by malicious users.
5. Use Sites with HTTPS
Another way to steer clear of online attacks is to determine the authenticity of the website you are going on while on the network. You can do this by looking at the HTTPS at the beginning of the website to make sure it is an encrypted website and won’t harm your device. If there is a lock symbol before the HTTPS, then the website is encrypted and will keep your login credentials and other entered data safe from unauthorized users.
6. Keep the Firewall Enabled at All Times
A firewall acts as a wall between your device and malicious users on the network who are capable of gaining illegitimate access to your personal information and data. It prevents unauthorized users from gaining access to your online activities. A firewall blocks unwanted data from your network and also safeguards your data from attacks. While the firewall doesn’t provide complete protection from malicious users, keeping it enabled is a good practice.
These are some ways in which you can protect your privacy on public wifi networks.