While chatting with your friend in your favorite cafe, why wouldn’t you want to use free WiFi? “Free Internet When You Buy a Cup of Coffee” or “Because Good Internet Doesn’t Have To Be Expensive” are phrases that share happiness among the masses.
But, stop, are you aware of a laundry list of security concerns that public Wi-Fi poses? Do you know that no public Wi-Fi is 100% secure? According to a survey, 26% of internet users worldwide reported that they would limit their online activities due to security risks while using public Wi-Fi.
But, need not worry, these handy measures can mitigate its risk:
Be Aware of Security Concerns
To begin with, you need to be aware of the security issues of free Wi-Fi. Using public Wi-Fi may make people happy, but most of the time, they don’t know the boatload of risks that come with its usage. A study conducted in Australia concluded that most participants had little awareness of the concerns, so they did not adopt risk-minimizing practices.
The most common issues are concerns over privacy, log-in problems, unencrypted networks, malicious hot spots, Wi-Fi snooping and snipping, and malware distribution.
Disable File Sharing
While going to your office or visiting your dear one, turn off file and public folder sharing. If you do not do so, your folders can be reachable to anyone. It will be a security breach and, a hacker or cyber criminal might get his hands on your personal information.
Maintain Anti-virus Protection
Install antivirus software and keep it up-to-date so you don’t fall prey to malicious attacks. This software will let you know about any suspicious activity or virus loaded into your computer. It protects against any cybersecurity threat like computer malware and spyware.
Install a Trusted VPN App
If you’re looking to protect your online privacy and data, you must consider installing a trusted VPN app. VPN (virtual private network) creates an encrypted connection between your device and the internet.
In this way, it helps to keep your browsing activity secure by making it difficult for cyber criminals to intercept and track your activity. In 2022, the main reasons for VPN usage were security and privacy.
Prefer HTTPS Websites Only
As a consumer, you must access HTTPS websites only. It will increase the security level and make your browser securer. Avoid using HTTP websites because it makes the traffic visible to anyone on the network.
Plus, go for a browser that blocks the usage of HTTP websites. You can also install an HTTPS Extension to your browser. This extension minimizes your risk of ending up on an unsafe website.
Final Verdict
The use of public Wi-Fi sounds good to many of you, but the security threats associated with its usage undermine its value. However, clinging tightly to measures (you have to adopt them) can guarantee its safe use. These practices include awareness of the risks, turning off file sharing, maintaining anti-virus protection, and sticking to HTTPS websites only.
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