Whether travelling for work or just out and about running errands, Wi-Fi access has become a necessity, providing the convenience of internet connectivity in coffee shops, airports, hotels, and many other public spaces. However, this convenience comes with significant security risks. Public Wi-Fi networks, especially those that are free and open, can be a prime target for cybercriminals. Understanding these risks and knowing how to protect yourself from any criminal activity is important, but have you ever considered it so, before now?
This article will take a quick dive into the dangers of using public Wi-Fi, and provide tips for staying safe.
The Risks of Using Public Wi-Fi Networks
Public Wi-Fi networks are inherently less secure than private ones, primarily because they are open to anyone within a particular range. Here are some of the significant risks associated with using public Wi-Fi and ways in which hackers can exploit public Wi-Fi:
- Data Theft – Cybercriminals can intercept data transmitted over public Wi-Fi networks using techniques like man-in-the-middle (MITM) attacks. In these attacks, the hacker positions themselves between your device and the network, capturing any data sent or received. This can include login credentials, financial data, and personal information. It sounds far-fetched, we know – but it’s a real problem, and it does happen!
- Fake Wi-Fi Hotspots – Hackers often set up fake Wi-Fi hotspots, known as “Evil Twins,” which mimic real networks (e.g., “Starbucks Free Wi-Fi” instead of “Starbucks Wi-Fi”). These fake networks are designed to trick users into connecting, allowing the hacker to intercept and monitor all internet traffic. They can capture all sorts of data from usernames, passwords, credit card details, and more.
- Malware Distribution Public Wi-Fi networks can also be a common target for malware distribution. Hackers can look to exploit your device’s software to install malicious software (malware). This malware can then steal data, monitor your activities, or even take control of your device!
- Unencrypted Networks Many public Wi-Fi networks do not use encryption, meaning data transmitted over the network is sent in plain text. This makes it much easier for hackers to intercept and read the data – think passwords or other login credentials.
Tips for Staying Safe on Public Wi-Fi
While the risks are quite significant, there are steps you can take to protect yourself when using public Wi-Fi networks:
1. Use a VPN
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) encrypts your internet connection, making it much harder for anyone to intercept your data. When you connect to a VPN, all your internet traffic is routed through a secure server, protecting your information from prying eyes. VPNs are especially important when accessing sensitive information, such as online banking or confidential work emails. If you travel with a work device, this is something to look into, to keep your, and your customer’s/clients information safe.
2. Avoid Sensitive Transactions
If you do need to jump on and access public Wi-Fi – we would strongly recommend you avoid accessing sensitive information or conducting financial transactions. It would be much safer to wait until you are on a secure, private network to perform these activities. If you must access sensitive data, ensure you are using a secure connection (sfG Tech Tip: look for “https” in the website’s URL).
3. Disable Automatic Connections
Many devices are set to automatically connect to available Wi-Fi networks. This can be convenient and save time when out and about or moving from location to location – but also risky. We would recommend that you turn off automatic connections and manually select trusted networks to ensure you are not inadvertently connecting to a malicious hotspot without even realising it.
4. Keep Software Updated
Regularly updating your device’s software is crucial for maintaining security – that goes for laptops, or mobile phone devices. Software updates often include patches for security vulnerabilities that could be known and used by hackers. We talk more about software updates in one of our blog articles, here.
5. Use Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Anyone who reads our monthly blogs will likely be familiar with 2FA – we’re big fans of it here and strongly advise everyone to have this enabled, for many security reasons and not just Wi-Fi related. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for your online accounts whenever possible. 2FA adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification (such as a text message code) in addition to your password. This can help protect your accounts even if your login credentials are compromised.
6. Recognise Fake Wi-Fi Hotspots
Be cautious when connecting to public Wi-Fi networks. Verify the network name with the establishment providing the Wi-Fi, and avoid networks with generic names like “Free Wi-Fi” or “Public Wi-Fi.” If you see multiple networks with the same or similar names, it’s safer to avoid them unless you can check which one is the ‘real deal’ with the owners.
Conclusion On Wi-Fi Security
While public Wi-Fi networks offer a lot of convenience, they do also pose security risks. By understanding these risks and taking steps to protect yourself, you can safely enjoy the benefits of wireless connectivity!
Stay safe online and let sfG Software help you navigate the complexities of Wi-Fi security with our sfG Wi-Fi service. Contact us today to learn more about how we can secure your networks, protect your business from cyber threats and give you training and advice on best practices
