Tips to Avoid Cyber Threats When Using Public WiFi

In the modern internet-connected era, using free public WiFi has become a daily routine for some people. But a secure and reliable connection isn’t always what it seems. Public WiFi hotspots are easy targets for hackers and cybercriminals to attack and steal your data.

Many people rely on public WiFi to get online quickly. If that’s the case for you, learn what the risks are of using unsecured free public WiFi and how to use public WiFi safely.
 

Why using a public Wi-Fi connection might be dangerous?

Among the dangers of public WiFi, the main risks are data breaches and malware infections. In the first scenario, hackers exploiting loopholes in public WiFi can intercept information you send over an unprotected connection. In the second scenario, cybercriminals can provide you with imitations of legitimate websites (phishing), and trick you into downloading malware.

Using an unsecured public Wi-Fi network gives hackers a great opportunity. Here’s what makes it vulnerable:

• No or weak password protection
• Misconfigured Wi-Fi router
• Outdated router software
• Careless user
• Join fake WiFi

As the number of free public WiFi increases, so does the potential danger. Let’s see what the risks are of connecting a device to a free public Wi-Fi network.
 

What are the risks of using public WiFi?

Those who don’t know how to use public WiFi safely may quickly find themselves in trouble. To avoid this, you should always be aware of the following dangers of public WiFi networks.

• Identity theft
• Data breach
• Malware infection
• Sniffing packages or eavesdropping
• Identity theft

Identity theft is a cybercrime with the main aim of obtaining someone’s data illegally. Most commonly, cybercriminals use public WiFi to steal people’s credit card information and commit financial fraud. With enough information about a person, cybercriminals can apply for loans, withdraw money, make purchases, and commit other crimes in the victim’s name.

Data breach
Using public WiFi safely is essential to avoid data breaches, which occur when hackers access personal information illegally. While identity theft primarily involves financial information, a data breach can affect any type of information you store on your device. If you don’t know how to use public WiFi safely, cybercriminals can steal your photos, videos, documents, and contacts.

Malware infection
Using public WiFi makes you an easy target for browser hijackers that distribute malware to web browsers. You may have just opened a new website when a pop-up ad that should have looked innocent appears on the screen. What you don’t know is that by clicking it accidentally, you welcome malicious software directly infecting your phone or laptop.

Packet sniffing or eavesdropping
Packet sniffing or eavesdropping is the illegal monitoring of data transmitted between devices. Internet users without WiFi protection risk not only losing important information but also modifying their information. For example, your business partners may receive your messages after they have been altered by cybercriminals to serve their nefarious purposes.

Surprisingly enough, one doesn’t have to be a master code breaker to intercept or steal private data on public WiFi. Just having the right equipment and being a good psychologist is enough. Sure, skilled cybercriminals need some special apps and tools to sniff out the real deal but the secret ingredient to any hacker’s success is unsuspecting and careless users.

Let’s learn how to stay alert.
 

Tips to Avoid Cyber Threats When Using Public WiFi

Here’s what you need to do if you want to minimize security risks when using public WiFi:

• Use a VPN
• Turn off Bluetooth and File Sharing features
• Do not disclose or send sensitive data
• Use antivirus
• Enable firewall
• Using a VPN on public WiFi

To stay safe on public WiFi networks, use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) application. This app hides your IP address and encrypts the information you send online, making it unreadable to third parties.

Do not access or transmit your sensitive data

If you don’t want your sensitive data to be intercepted, make sure you don’t expose anything. Forget about online banking, shopping, and working remotely when connected to public WiFi. Do not use applications that may contain sensitive data. The sad truth is that many apps have security flaws, so anything you do in them may be visible to hackers.

Use antivirus

Unfortunately, the antivirus will not save your personal data from interception but can protect your device from various malware. This includes malicious programs that hackers secretly send to your phone or laptop on public WiFi.

Enable firewall

Enabling a firewall can save your laptop from suspicious internet traffic. Simply put, a firewall analyzes data traffic and protects your device from unauthorized access. So, whenever you connect to public WiFi, don’t forget to enable the firewall.

We don’t mean to scare you about the dangers and risks of public WiFi, and certainly, not every public WiFi service will result in you being hacked. But it’s good to know the dangers and be prepared.