With free public Wi-Fi becoming more common, here’s how to keep your device safe.
The good news: public Wi-Fi is becoming more common. Once almost impossible to come by, it’s now (often freely) available in restaurants, malls, gyms, shops, airports, on campus and even on some flights. The bad news: connecting to public Wi-Fi could put your device at risk. But with a bit of caution on your part, you can lower your chances of getting compromised.
How safe is public Wi-Fi?
Not all public Wi-Fi networks are dodgy, but any unfamiliar Wi-Fi network should be approached with caution. How safe the network is often comes down to how it’s set up – and how you use it.
Open public Wi-Fi networks: Well-meaning business owners may offer customers the convenience of an open public Wi-Fi network that’s free and doesn’t require a password. But convenience may come at the price of security. When you connect to a Wi-Fi network, your device shares information across that network. If the network is not encrypted, some of your data could be exposed to hackers connected to the same network.
Encrypted Wi-Fi networks: This type of network scrambles data between your device and the router so it’s not easily visible. You will likely need a password to connect. It’s more secure than open Wi-Fi but it’s not immune to hackers so you still need to exercise caution.
How to use public Wi-Fi safely
So what’s a data-strapped South African to do? Here are seven tips for using public Wi-Fi more safely.
1. Use a VPN
This creates a private, encrypted “tunnel” that your data travels through, adding an extra layer of protection.
2. Avoid sharing sensitive information
Try not to use public Wi-Fi to access your online banking, confidential work documents or other sensitive information.
3. Forget the network
Tapping “Remember this network” is nice and convenient but hackers know that too. One way they try to steal your data is by creating fake public Wi-Fi networks that impersonate the real network. If your device is set to remember a network, it may connect to the fake network instead without you noticing, putting your data at risk.
4. Verify the network
Hackers are devious. They can make an impersonated network look credible. Don’t connect in a hurry, even if it’s a network you know, like campus or work Wi-Fi. Take a minute to double check and if you’re unsure, ask.
5. Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA)
If a hacker does get hold of your password, having MFA enabled will make it harder for them to get into your apps or files.
Read more: Why You Need Multi-Factor Authentication To Stay Safe Online
6. Remember to log out
After you finish whatever you needed to do, log out of your accounts and forget the network. For added security, turn Wi-Fi off when you’re not using it.
7. Use mobile data
If you know you’re going to have to work with sensitive information while you’re on the go, consider buying a once-off mobile data bundle. Vodacom customers get access to great personalised data deals through the VodaPay app.
You don’t have to avoid public Wi-Fi entirely – but be aware of the risks and take steps to protect yourself.
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