Posted: 4th August 2024
If you use free public WiFi, you put your data security at risk. And most of us do – in fact, surveys show that 35% of people access free public WiFi between 3 and 4 times per month.
Between mobile data and free WiFi hotspots, we can connect to the internet pretty much anywhere, anytime – and we do! As soon as we spot a ‘Free WiFi’ sign at a café, airport, or hotel, we are drawn to reaching for our phones or setting up our laptops and getting online.
Whilst businesses are shouting about their free public WiFi as an attraction, it can pose a risk to your security and privacy. But there are ways to protect yourself.
4 in 10 users have had their information compromised while using free public Wi-Fi.
What are the disadvantages of free public WiFi?
#1 Someone could be watching
If you’re browsing on unencrypted websites using a WiFi hotspot, it is shockingly easy for others connected to the same WiFi to snoop on what you are doing. In fact, in highly populated areas, cyber criminals set up free WiFi access points specifically for this purpose.
This may be harmless for the type of browsing you’re likely to do whilst you stop for a quick coffee, but you’d be surprised at the amount of personal data you could be leaking; usernames, passwords, even the contents of your emails. This is because free WiFi in a public place is often unsecured, and data is transferred in plain text.
If the network you’re connected to doesn’t display a padlock, it’s not secure and we advise you to wait until you get home to check your emails. If a padlock does display by the network name, it’s secure.
#2 It’s easy to fake
Vast public areas or large buildings like shopping centres often have several free WiFi network points. Once you connect to one, your phone will automatically connect to the next as you drop out of range. This is handy for users but also makes things incredibly easy for hackers.
With multiple network access points, cyber criminals can set up fake access points unnoticed. As you move within reach, they gain access to almost every bit of data your device holds, and you’re non-the-wiser.
#3 Network security is not a priority
In business, your IT support will (and certainly should) take time to ensure your WiFi connection is secure. Unfortunately, restaurants, hotels and shops will only ensure the very basic security is in place on a free WiFi hotspot – after all, their service isn’t free WiFi, that’s just a bonus.
This basic security is much like you probably have set up on your home WiFi – WPA2 security or similar. This is adequate for a home environment but in an open environment that is likely to be a target for hackers, it just won’t cut it.
#4 See who’s connected
Connecting to any public network, certainly an unsecured one, displays your device to every other device on that network. Not a concern for your average browser but imagine what a professional hacker could do with such an open target.
As a test, if you have a Mac or iOS device, the next time you’re in a busy public place, briefly open AirDrop and see just how many devices are shown to you. While AirDrop doesn’t rely on shared networks, it’s a good way to see how exposed devices are in a public environment.
How can you use free public WiFi safely?
#1 Stay dis-connected
One of the easiest things to do is avoid free public WiFi unnecessarily. If you do need to use it, make it brief and never use it for any financial activity.
A terrifying 20% use public Wi-Fi to make financial transactions
Also, make sure you disconnect from the network when you’re done. Moving out of range isn’t enough; your device will remember the network and automatically reconnect without you even noticing the next time you’re in that vicinity.
#2 Tether to your own mobile
If you want to get some work done remotely and your mobile data plan is plentiful, the safest way to connect to the internet is via your mobile phone. Enable your phone as a hotspot (password protected of course) and tether your laptop or tablet for a secure connection.
#3 Virtual Private Networks
A VPN is a safe way to connect to public WiFi. A Virtual Private Network runs on your device and encrypts everything you do, so if someone is snooping on your device, they will gain no information. There are many free VPNs available, but your chosen cyber security partner should offer a solution.
More Than IT Support – It’s IT Consultancy
At Jupiter IT, we’re committed to raising awareness of cyber crime and tightening cyber security.
We offer free cyber security training to all of our clients and their teams – whether they are in-house or remote workers. By raising awareness of how cyber crime works, we can help you protect your business and your employees from becoming victims of a cyber attack.
To find out more or to book a session for your team, drop us a line.
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