Protect Yourself While Using Public WiFi

You can get online at many places nowadays. Coffee shops, airports, and other public spots have internet. This public wifi lets you check emails and go online when you’re out. It is very helpful.

Using public wifi is not always good. Bad people try to take advantage. They look for ways to steal your private stuff. These are called bad cybercriminals. Many public wifis don’t have good safety. This makes it easier for bad people to do bad things. They can spy on you or give your devices viruses.

Public wifi is very helpful. But your safety is most important. Follow our tips, and you can use public wifi without problems. You can check emails, go online, and do internet activities safely.

What Are The Risks Related To Public WiFi?

Public WiFi can be dangerous. Bad people do bad things to harm your security. Let’s look at some dangers of using public WiFi:

Man-in-the-middle Attacks

Sometimes a bad guy gets in the middle of you and WiFi. It’s like they are in between. They can see everything you do online, just like someone reading your mail before it gets to you. The bad guy can steal passwords, credit cards, and other private things.

Evil Twin Networks

Bad guys can make fake WiFis that look real. You might think you are joining “Coffee Shop WiFi,” but it’s a trick! Once you join the fake WiFi, the bad guys can see everything you do online.

Malware Distribution

Some public WiFis are made to give you viruses like malware and spyware. When you connect, your phone, tablet, or computer might get a bad virus. Viruses are bad programs that can steal your stuff or break your devices.

Packet Sniffing

Bad guys can use special tools to listen to the WiFi. It’s like they are hearing your online talks. They can take and read all your information sent on the WiFi.

Cybercriminals set up lots of traps and tricks on free public WiFis. They want to steal your passwords, money info, personal stuff, and more. That’s why you need to be very careful with free WiFis. Now that you know the risks, let’s learn how to protect yourself.

How To Protect Yourself While Using Public WiFi?

There are many ways to securely use public WiFi. Some ways and practices are given here: 

Use A Virtual Private Network (VPN)

Have you heard of a VPN? VPN keeps you safe online, like on public WiFis. A VPN is a secret tunnel just for your internet. It takes all the stuff you do online – like going to websites or sending messages – and mixes it all up. This way, nobody else can see what you’re doing.

It’s A Mixing Machine

When you use a VPN, it’s like putting your internet into a big mixing machine. The VPN uses secret codes to jumble up all your information. So if a bad guy tries to look at what you’re doing, they can’t understand any of it at all. It’s just a big mess of mixed-up stuff to them.

The WiFi People Can’t See You

Another cool part about VPNs is that the people running the WiFi can’t see you either. It’s like you turn them invisible when the VPN is on. They have no idea which websites you go to or what you do online. Your activities are completely hidden.

Use A Good VPN

But you have to use a VPN you can trust. Look for VPNs that use strong mixing-up codes that bad guys can’t figure out. Also, make sure it doesn’t keep any records of the things you do. Good VPNs are NordVPN, ProtonVPN, ExpressVPN, and Surfshark. Don’t use free VPNs because some of those steal people’s private stuff! That’s bad.

VPNs Keep You Safe And Secret

So a VPN is a secret, mixing tunnel for your internet. It messes up your information so strangers can’t see what you’re doing. And it hides you from the WiFi too. Using a trusted VPN keeps you safe and secret when you’re online, like on public WiFis.

It’s like having an invisibility coat for the internet! With a VPN on, you can go online without anybody being able to peek at your stuff. Pretty cool, right?

Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

You know passwords are important, right? Well, 2FA is like giving your accounts a super strong lock on top of the password. With 2FA, you need to prove it’s you in two ways before getting into accounts. Not just with a password. This makes it super super hard for bad guys to sneak in.

With 2FA, even if a bad guy gets your password, they still can’t get in. That is because they also need a second special proof that only you have. This second proof is the key that keeps accounts safe. 2FA is extra important on public WiFis. Passwords can sometimes be stolen more easily thereby sneaky bad guys.

Different 2FA Ways

There are a few different second proofs you can use:

• Phone codes: The website sends a code to your phone
• Auth apps: Apps that show codes on your phone  
• Fingerprint/face: Use your fingerprint or face scan
• Security keys: Little keys you plug into the phone/computer

Extra Lock

So 2FA adds an extra lock to accounts that only you can open. It’s like giving your account a secret code that only you and your phone know!

The bad guys can try to guess the password all they want. But without that second 2FA proof, they can’t ever get into your stuff. 2FA makes accounts super, super safe, especially on public WiFis. That little extra step stops the bad guys cold!

Keep Software And Operating Systems Updated

Updating your phones, tablets, and computers is super important for safety. Let me tell you why:

Updates Fix Holes

When companies make updates, they fix holes that bad guys could use to sneak in. It’s like fixing cracks in your house walls so no one can break in.

Updates Happen Alone

Most devices can update themselves without you doing anything. It’s like a fix-it man coming to your house and fixing things while you’re away or sleeping. You don’t have to think about it!

Update Before Public WiFi

Before you use public WiFi, make sure your device has all the latest updates first. This gives you all the new safeguards ready to protect you. It’s like putting on a super-strong suit before a battle. 

No Openings for Bad Guys

With updates, there are no holes or weak spots for bad guys to sneak through. The updates “patched” or fixed any openings they could have used to break in and cause trouble.

Like a Fix-It Man and Armor

So updating is like having a fix-it man come fix any holes automatically. And having updated devices is like wearing armor to defend yourself in dangerous places like public WiFis.

Bad guys look for weak openings to attack. But when you update, you fix those openings and block the bad guys out. It’s an easy way to stay safe!

Avoid Accessing Sensitive Information

It is not safe to do private things on public WiFi. Bad guys can try to steal your private stuff. Here’s what to avoid:

Online Banking and Shopping

Don’t check your bank account or buy things online on public WiFi. Money activities are not safe on the public internet. Wait until you’re on a private, secure internet to do money stuff. Your money is too important. Use a VPN for shopping.

Logging Into Accounts

Try not to log into your email, social media, shopping websites, and other accounts with personal information. If any hackers see your login, they can steal your login information and use it for the wrong purpose. Only log into accounts on a safe, private internet. 

Work Documents

Don’t open any private work files on public WiFi. Bad guys could steal your company’s secrets that way. If you need work stuff, use a special secure internet from your job.

Keep Privates Safe

By not doing private stuff on public WiFis, you protect your things better. It’s like locking up your valuable things in a safe instead of leaving them out for anyone to take.

Public WiFi for Simple Browsing

Public WiFi is okay for basic browsing of normal websites. But anything with money, passwords, personal accounts, or secrets is not good on public WiFi. Wait for a private, secure internet for those private activities.  

Stay Simple, Stay Safe

In short, keep it simple on public WiFi. No bank accounts, no shopping, no work files. Those private, important things need a secure internet to stay safe from bad guys. Just use public WiFi for basic browsing to avoid problems.

Verify Network Authenticity

Before you join a public WiFi, you need to make sure it’s a real safe one. Bad guys sometimes make fake WiFis to trick people. Here’s how to avoid those:

Ask Worker for WiFi Name

Don’t guess which WiFi to join by the name. Bad guys use tricky names that sound real. Instead, ask a worker at that place for the right WiFi name. Only join that one.

Stop Auto-Joining

Make sure your phone, tablet, or computer can’t automatically join WiFis on its own. Turn that setting off. Then your device waits for you to pick which WiFi is safe. It is like locking your car so strangers can’t just hop in!

Careful With Open WiFis

WiFis with no password are usually not safe. Bad guys can easily join those open WiFis and cause trouble. If you have to use an open WiFi, be super super careful. Using a VPN can help make it safer. But password WiFis are more secure. Passwords help keep bad guys out.

Check Before Joining

By asking workers the WiFi name, stopping auto-join, and avoiding open WiFis, you check if a WiFi is legitimate before joining. This protects you from bad guys’ fake WiFis. It’s like checking someone’s ID before letting them in your home. You don’t want to let in bad strangers by accident! So check if public WiFis are real and safe before joining. A little caution goes a long way for safety.

Use HTTPS Websites

Sometimes you see “HTTPS” at the start of a website address. This is good! HTTPS makes that website safe to use. Let me tell you why:

HTTPS Mixes Up Your Stuff

When you go to an HTTPS website, it mixes up all the information between your device and the website. This makes it super hard for bad guys to see your stuff. It’s like putting your things in a locked box. Regular “HTTP” doesn’t mix up your stuff at all. It’s like leaving your things out in the open for anyone to take. 

Use the HTTPS Everywhere Tool

There’s a tool called “HTTPS Everywhere” that can make websites use HTTPS automatically. This means your browsing gets safe and mixed up without you doing anything!

Look for Lock Picture

When you go to a website, look for a little lock picture next to the address. This lock means the site is using HTTPS to safely mix up your stuff. If there’s no lock, be very very careful putting any private things on that site.

Keeps Stuff Secret

Using HTTPS websites keeps your stuff private and safe from bad people looking at it. It’s like making sure your private letters get delivered in a locked box instead of an open letter anyone could read. HTTPS keeps your online stuff a secret from bad guys trying to steal it.

Hackers Can’t Understand

Even if a hacker gets your HTTPS stuff somehow, it will look like a big mixed-up mess to them. They can’t understand it without the secret key that only the website has.

So HTTPS is an easy way to keep your online activities safe and mixed up from bad criminals and hackers trying to spy on you. Stay Safe, and Use HTTPS!

Disable File Sharing And AirDrop

When you are using public WiFi, like at a cafe or airport, you should not your files. This keeps your stuff safe. It’s like closing all your windows when you leave home, so no bad people can get in.

For Apple Devices 

AirDrop lets you share files with nearby Apple devices. If you use an iPhone, iPad, or Mac, you need to turn off AirDrop when you are not using it. If you leave it on, strangers might send you files you do not want. Turning it off stops that. For added security on your iPhone, you might also consider using a VPN to protect your online activities.

Stay Hidden Like a Ninja

By stopping all sharing on public WiFi, you stay hidden like a ninja. Ninjas are very clever and don’t let anyone see them. This helps ninjas stay safe from trouble.

When you stop sharing files and stay hidden on public WiFi, it’s harder for bad people to bother you. No one can see you, just like a ninja!

So remember – stop all sharing when using public WiFi. Close all windows and don’t let strangers send you things. Stay safe by staying hidden, just like a clever ninja!

Utilize A Firewall

A firewall is like a guard for your computer, phone, or tablet. Its job is to watch over everything going in and out. When viruses try to get into your device, the firewall guard checks if it’s safe or not. If the guard sees anything bad, it blocks it. This stops viruses, bad guys, or other threats from getting in.

The firewall guard doesn’t just check what’s coming in. It also looks at stuff leaving your device. If the guard notices anything unsafe trying to leave, it blocks that too. This protects your private stuff from being stolen. Most devices already have a basic firewall guard built-in. You can make sure this guard is turned on in your security settings.

For even more protection, you can get an extra strong firewall guard. These are special guard programs like ZoneAlarm or Comodo. They add more powerful security to keep bad stuff away.

It’s Like Two Guards Together

With both the built-in guard and extra guard program on, it’s like having two guards protecting your device. One regular guard, and one super tough guard. Double the guards!

The more guards watching, the harder it is for viruses or bad guys to sneak in. Your device and private stuff stay much safer with a good firewall guard.

Practice General Cybersecurity Hygiene

Having good internet habits is very important to stay safe from bad guys. Here are some tips:

Use Different Hard Passwords

Don’t use simple passwords. Make passwords long and complicated – like a secret code only you know. Also, use different passwords for each account. 

It’s like having different keys for different doors. If someone gets one key, they still can’t open all your doors. Different passwords for different accounts keep you more secure.

Log Out When Done

When you are done using a website or app, you should log out of your account. This is extra important on public WiFis where bad guys might be looking.

Logging out is like locking your front door when you leave home. It stops anyone from just walking right in after you when the door is unlocked.

Watch For Tricks

Bad guys send fake emails or messages to trick you. They might ask you to click a link or download bad stuff. Do not get fooled by these tricks.

It is like a stranger pretending to be a friend to get your information. If an email or message looks strange, do not open anything in it unless you are sure it’s safe. There are dangers online, just like in the real world. But if you practice these good habits and stay careful, you can go online safely without bad guys bothering you. Stay smart!

What Are The Signs Of An Unsafe WiFi Network?

Some signs can help you know if a WiFi network is not safe to use. Look out for these:

No Password Needed

If you can join a WiFi without entering a password, it’s probably not secure. Anyone can get on, even bad guys. Safe WiFis always need passwords.

Strange Network Names  

Be careful of WiFis with weird names like “Free Public WiFi” or names that are almost the same as real ones but spelled a little wrong. These could be fake WiFis set up by bad people to trick you.

Multiple Similar Names

If you see several WiFi names that look almost identical, one of them might be a “fake twin” created by hackers to confuse you.

Weak Protection Codes

Look for WiFi networks using older protection codes like WEP or WPA instead of the safer WPA2 or WPA3 codes. Your device might show you these code names. WiFi network protection codes.

Disconnecting Randomly

If you keep randomly disconnecting and reconnecting to the WiFi, it could mean a bad guy is trying to sneak into your internet activities in between.

Very Slow Speeds

While not always dangerous, WiFis that are unusually super slow might mean your traffic is being sent through an unsafe place first by bad guys.

Website Warnings

If secure websites give you warnings about invalid certificates when using that WiFi, it might mean the network has been compromised or is unsafe.    

Too Good To Be True

Be skeptical of free WiFis that promise unrealistically fast speeds or other amazing features. It could be a trap!

Weird Login Pages

If you are asked to log in to use the WiFi but the login page looks strange or different than normal, it might be a fake page created to steal your info.

Device Warnings 

Many phones and computers can detect if a WiFi seems unsafe and will warn you about it. Listen to your device’s warnings! Even if WiFi seems okay, it’s best to be cautious on any public network. Using a VPN adds an extra layer of protection no matter where you are.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Bottom Line

Using public WiFi is handy when you’re out and about. But you have to be very careful because bad people are trying to steal your private information or infect your devices with viruses. This article explained all the dangers of public WiFi and how you can stay safe.  

The most important things are to use a VPN to scramble your data, enable two-step logins for accounts, and keep your software updated to fix any holes that hackers could use. You should also avoid doing private stuff like banking on public WiFi. Only basic browsing is safe.

When joining a public WiFi network, always ask an employee the right name and be careful of fake WiFis set up by bad guys. Stick to secure HTTPS websites with the little lock icon so your data stays private. And remember to disable file sharing so strangers can’t send you stuff.

Firewalls act like guards that block bad programs from getting on your devices. Having good habits like using strong passwords, logging out after use, and watching for fake emails goes a long way too.

It takes a little effort to use public WiFi safely, but it’s definitely worth it to protect your privacy and security. Follow these tips and you can enjoy the convenience without any worries about bad guys stealing your information or ruining your devices. Stay smart and secure online!