Staying in touch and connected 24*7 has never been easier. While this ensures convenience, a single click can turn out to be a security risk if you are connected to a public wi-fi network which comes with its own set of challenges. DMI Finance tells you how to use public wi-fi minus the risks.
What is a public wi-fi network? When you venture out to public spots like cafés or shopping malls, you are likely to find free wi-fi connections. These connections come as hotspots from different networks and show up under your phone wi-fi connections and are also called as public wi-fi networks. So, while this ensures seamless connectivity even on the go, increasingly, public wi-fi security risks have become a persistent concern.
Risk of using public wi-fi networks While it may seem perfectly harmless to log into a public network and check your emails, socials or bank account details, this could be quite risky considering the sheer lack of authenticity that ultimately leads to online security risks. Some of these associated risks are:
Unencrypted networks In simple terms, an encrypted connection is one where data is shared only between your device and router. This keeps your data safe and protected. Data encryption is turned on in most home networks but it is impossible to tell if a public network will be data encrypted or not.
MITM attacks If you connect your device to an unencrypted network, this could result in an MITM or Man-in-the-Middle attack. When your device is connected to a public wi-fi router, it allows for intrusion from third-party websites who can then have complete or partial access to your data. This is the most common type of threat while using a public wi-fi network.
Malware If you are using the public network for file-sharing purposes, this could easily allow hackers to install malware or infected software on to your device. It can show up in the form of a pop-up and clicking anywhere on the window installs the malware on to your system.
Simple tips to stay safe on public wi-fi While it is advisable to avoid connecting to public networks altogether, if you absolutely must, then here are some easy security tips for safe browsing:
Using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) established connection is by far the most effective practice for staying safe online. A VPN secures your connection and encrypts data that is travelling to and from your device, making it harder for others on the network to access your details. There are many VPN services for mobiles and laptops that have easy to follow guidelines and are worth investing in.
Avoid downloading or installing any new files over a public network unless you absolutely have to. To be safe, do not log into any password protected websites such as banking or social media sites that may contain sensitive information.
Ensure that your wi-fi is not on auto-connect, which will accept connections from unknown networks. Also, turn off your wi-fi once you have completed your work. Else, wi-fi hardware can still continue to transmit data between any in-range networks.
Install an updated anti-virus application that will check your device for malware and display an alert if any suspicious activity is detected over shared networks.
Stick to accessing only HTTP sites. Google Chrome recently started labelling ‘not secure’ sites with HTTPS, where you are more likely to find hackers or malware that may access your data.
In the coming future, we are likely to see the new WPA3 Wi-Fi security protocol online, which should make public networks much safer for browsing than they are now. Until then, make sure that you have the latest software updates on your device and only store a few trusted networks on your list.
