If you’re always using your mobile phone to stay connected while out and about, or if you frequently post on Instagram during holidays, chances are you’ve connected to free public Wi-Fi. Now, while this might seem harmless enough, did you know that connecting to free public Wi-Fi is actually quite risky? Here are the 10 most common risks of connecting to public Wi-Fi.
First, how do we use public Wi-Fi?
Let’s understand public Wi-Fi usage. A recent article published by Forbes highlights these important Wi-Fi usage facts:
- Each month, 35% of people use public Wi-Fi
- 25% of people use public Wi-Fi to reduce their own mobile data
- 20% of people who use public Wi-Fi do so for financial transactions
- The most common place where public Wi-Fi is used are hotels and restaurants
- Alarmingly, three in 10 people have had their information compromised by using public Wi-Fi
- The most common location to have your information compromised is connecting to public wifi at an airport.
If you often travel, it’s convenient to connect to Airport Wi-Fi. You may be posting your holiday pictures on Instagram, you might be confirming last minute travel itinerary details, or you might be staying in contact with friends and family. However, even though this is a convenient place to connect to Wi-Fi, as the Forbes report indicates, airports are the most common places to have online data hacks and breaches. So, given that we know that, what can we do to minimise risk?
Here are the top 10 dangers of using public Wi-Fi.
Here are the most common risks associated with using a public Wi-Fi connection. Some of these are a little technical, but let’s take a look.
1) Data interception
Public Wi-Fi networks are often unencrypted, making it easy for hackers to intercept and capture the data you send and receive, such as emails, passwords, and credit card information.
2) Man-in-the-middle attacks
Hackers can position themselves between your device and the network, intercepting and potentially altering communications without your knowledge.
3) Malware distribution
Cybercriminals can exploit vulnerabilities in public Wi-Fi networks to distribute malware, infecting your device and potentially compromising your data.
4) Unencrypted connections
Many public Wi-Fi networks do not use encryption, leaving your data exposed to anyone within range of the network.
5) Snooping and sniffing
Tools like packet sniffers allow hackers to monitor and capture data being transmitted over public Wi-Fi networks, giving them access to sensitive information.
6) Session hijacking
Attackers can steal your session cookies, allowing them to hijack your online accounts and impersonate you.
7) Fake hotspots
Cybercriminals can set up fake Wi-Fi networks that mimic legitimate ones, tricking you into connecting and stealing your data.
8) Data theft
Once connected to a public Wi-Fi network, hackers can access files on your device, including personal documents, photos, and financial information.
9) Device hijacking
Sophisticated attacks can allow hackers to take control of your device, enabling them to manipulate it remotely and steal information.
10) Privacy breaches
Using public Wi-Fi can expose your browsing habits, location data, and personal information to malicious actors, compromising your privacy.
Ok, how can you stay safe online?
Here’s how you can protect yourself.
Use a VPN
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) encrypts your link to the internet, which makes it harder for hackers to see your files. It’s kind of like a safe tunnel for your internet activities.
Stick to HTTPS websites
Ensure that any website you visit starts with “https://”. The ‘S’ stands for secure, meaning the site encrypts your data, making it safer from prying eyes.
Turn off file sharing
You should not share files when you’re on a public Wi-Fi. This stops other people on the same network from getting to your files.
Avoid sensitive transactions
When you’re on public Wi-Fi, try not to access your bank account or buy things online. Do these things only when you’re on a private, safe network.
Update your software
The browser, operating system, and security apps on your device should all be kept up to date. Hackers could use the security holes in these changes to compromise your computer.
Use two-factor authentication
Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your accounts. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification beyond just your password.
By taking these simple steps, you can significantly reduce the risk of your data being intercepted on public Wi-Fi networks. You would be wise to invest in a fast and secure home internet plan like the nbn 250, to ensure you stay safe while getting the most important tasks done in a secure environment. Stay vigilant and protect your personal information whenever you’re connected to the internet.