Due to its easy access and low cost, public Wi-Fi has become a preferred option for online connections. 35% of people, on average, choose this option three to four times per month.
Cyber criminals can also leverage public Wi-Fi networks to install malicious software onto connected devices, exploiting existing vulnerabilities in certain applications.
To find out if your phone has been hacked, use a short code.
But in addition to that, here are some other ways to protect your data when using public networks.
- Update your operating system frequently.
Regularly updating your apps and operating system helps prevent cybercrime by providing the most up-to-date protection against exploits. For complete coverage, make sure you enable automatic updates.
- Use several different passwords.
Sharing a password across many accounts that is the same or similar may be handy for you, but it might cause you a lot of trouble if it ends up in the wrong hands. A hacker on the same public Wi-Fi network as you can access all of your related accounts if they figure out just one of your passwords.
- Turn off AirDrop on your smartphone.
According to a recent study, when the AirDrop feature is turned on on your device, surrounding devices may be able to see your phone number and email address. This raises concerns about the security of AirDrop. That might compromise online privacy. Simply turn off AirDrop in the Control Center of your device to reduce this danger, so effectively preventing unwanted access to your personal information.
- Disable automatic Wi-Fi connections.
When traveling or using unfamiliar networks, turn off the auto-connect feature on your phone. This will offer an additional level of security to protect sensitive information from malicious individuals. For further security, take sure to remove any saved connections to public Wi-Fi after use.
- Before using a free Wi-Fi network, carefully read the terms and conditions.
On the other hand, connecting to a lot of public Wi-Fi networks takes more than a few clicks. There can be further criteria before you can synchronize with the signal; you might need to agree to the terms and regulations or even reveal private information like your email address without knowing what will happen next.
Consider the risks carefully before pressing the “connect” button. You can choose wiser and safer options for your online activity by carefully reading any terms or conditions connected with a network.
- Make use of a VPN
Virtual private networks, also known as VPNs, are now essential for maintaining online security. VPNs provide a wide range of priceless advantages for every user, from access to geo-restricted content to safeguarding against the dangers of public Wi-Fi, whether it’s to defend against cyber-attacks or manage cookies.
- Use HTTPS connections.
Watch out for the “https://” prefix in a URL, which denotes data encryption through SSL/TLS protocols, when browsing the web privately in public locations. Your data is locked securely in transit thanks to this additional encryption layer, protecting it from any malicious work.
The best and most reliable way to protect your data when using public Wi-Fi networks is to implement the security measures we covered today.Always be cautious when sharing information online, even if it seems secure, and use complex passwords and two-factor authentication wherever possible.
