5 Do’s and Don’ts of Using Public WiFi
We all like the ability to stay connected while out and about. To be able to do that, you need a WiFi connection. The most obvious option for getting that WiFi connection and going online would be to find a suitable public Wifi connection.
These connections are just about everywhere. When you search for a suitable connection option in a typical public space like a coffee shop, shopping mall, or hotel, for instance, it is highly likely you will be offered the chance to get online with minimal details required.
Whether you are browsing the internet or trying to make a call without using your data, you have the option of WiFi calling. What is WiFi calling? It is a way of making calls on your phone using an internet connection, but it obviously needs you to be connected to a WiFi provider.
That’s where potential security problems come into play. If you connect to a WiFi that doesn’t require you to enter a password or go through a login procedure, that might be convenient, but it could also be a dangerous move. Connecting to a network with minimal security protocols can put your personal data at risk from hackers and you leave yourself open to compromise.
To take full advantage of a public WiFi option, but to do so safely, you need to understand the main do’s and don’ts of using this way of connecting to the internet.
Understand the difference between the two connection options
One of the most fundamental and important points to remember when offered a public WifFi connection, is the need to check if the public network is secured or unsecured.
As the description suggests, there is a greater risk attached to using an unsecured connection. It should be said that you should always use either option with a degree of caution, as any kind of public WiFi won’t be as secure as your own private connection.
A secured public connection offers more robust security protocols compared to an unsecured network. You will often need to register for an account and use a password before being connected to a secured public WiFi. On the other hand, an unsecured connection will often allow you to connect to the network without these extra steps.
It should go without saying that you should always connect to a secured public WiFi network whenever possible.
If you are not offered the choice, and the only available public WiFi connection is an unsecured network, it is potentially acceptable to use this type of connection if it requires you to register or login beforehand.
Be careful with your personal browning options
The bottom line is that even using a secured public WiFi connections can be potentially risky.
You can’t be as certain about the robustness of the network’s security features or strength. Even a secured connection could be vulnerable and your data could be compromised.
That’s why you need to be particularly mindful and vigilant about what sites you access and how much personal information you divulge over this type of connection.
Checking your bank account or accessing any site where you have to input sensitive personal data such as your date of birth, could leave you vulnerable to that information being compromised.
It is always better to be ultra-cautious and only access sites like your personal banking via a public WiFi connection if you really need to.
Be careful about leaving your device unattended
If you have decided to go to a coffee shop, for instance, and browse the internet while having a hot drink, you might be tempted to leave your device for a brief moment while you get another drink, or go to the toilet.
Leaving your laptop or smartphone unattended is never a good idea, for several valid reasons. Not only are you risking your property being physically stolen, but it only takes a brief moment for someone to take a quick look at your screen and potentially steal some personal data.
If you do need to move away from your device for any reason, make sure you disconnect from the network and activate sleep mode.
Shopping is unwise if you are using a public WiFi network
You might be surprised to discover that shopping online using a public WiFi network is a bad move.
Just browsing for something to buy is not that risky. However, if you see something you like and decide to buy it, that’s where the problems begin. You will usually be asked to provide a host of personal information that someone like a hacker could find very useful if they get their hands on this sensitive data.
You will be entering your address and bank account details to make the purchase. You will also likely be creating or entering retailer login details to process the transaction. All of this data could be compromised, so think carefully about doing any shopping online using a public WiFi connection, secured or unsecured.
Be careful with Bluetooth
It is advisable to monitor your Bluetooth connection and activity while connected to a public WiFi. If your Bluetooth is enabled while using this public connection it presents a substantial cybersecurity risk.
Although Bluetooth connectivity is brilliant for how easy it is to communicate with other devices, these signals can be traced and accessed by a hacker. Once they have compromised your Bluetooth connection it provides a hacker with a gateway to your device, and your personal data.
It is always best to disconnect Bluetooth while using a public WiFi connection.
As you can see, there are substantial risks attached to using a secured, or unsecured, public WiFi connection. A good way to help ensure you retain a greater level of privacy and anonymity would be to use a Virtual Private Network (VPN). This encrypts your data that you send and receive, making it substantially harder for anyone to steal or compromise your data.
Public WiFi is readily available in all sorts of places. It might be a useful option when you need an internet connection, but always be vigilant and mindful of the potential risks.
