Why Should You be Worried About Using a Public WiFi Hotspot
Aug 12, 2021
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Many people make good use of the free WiFi that is often provided in public spaces. These can mostly be found at airports, hotels and restaurants. However, most people do not fully understand the dangers of using these hotspots.
Public wifi hotspots are a common site for cybercriminals. Just like everyone else, hackers can gain free access to these networks. The lack of security on the network means that innocent people are at risk of cyberattacks.
Although it is best to avoid them altogether, sometimes we do not have a choice but to use these hotspots. Luckily there are ways to protect yourself when you are using a public WiFi network.
Why Are Public WiFi Hotspots Dangerous?
Public WiFi hotspots are free and require no authentication. This is why they can be found just about everywhere. However, these same features that make hotspots so convenient and attractive to the public, also make them attractive to a cybercriminal.
Since the network does not require any authentication, it gives a hacker the opportunity to access any unsecured device on that network. A hacker can set up their device to connect your device to the network through them.
The result then, is that any information that you are sending and receiving on that network will first pass through the hacker’s device before reaching the network. In other words, they will be able to see everything you are doing on your device.
Whether it’s emails, bank accounts, or even messages, cybercriminals can make use of any data they can get hold of. Hackers are able to steal your information in a very short space of time.
Cybercriminals also have the ability to download and install malicious software on your device. This can range from viruses to malware and spyware. If you do not have a secure device, it will be under attack.
What Can Cybercriminals do With Your Data?
Once cybercriminals get hold of your information they have a number of options. It all depends on what information they are able to steal, but in most cases, they will be looking for banking details.
They also look for personal information. This can include anything from your name, number or email address. This information can be used either to sell on the dark web or to commit fraud in your name.
Hackers will also look for any contact details which will allow them to send your fake emails and phishing websites. These can be used to gain access to your private accounts such as banking and social media accounts.
How to Safely Use a Public WiFi Hotspot
It is recommended to avoid using WiFi hotspots altogether. However, it is not always possible. Sometimes we travel and we need to stay connected with our friends and family. There are some precautions you need to take if you are going to use a public network.
The best security measure you can take when using a public network is a VPN. A VPN or Virtual Private Network is able to encrypt your internet traffic, making it impossible for anyone else to intercept it.
Using a VPN, you are also able to change the location of your I.P address. This means that your device would not show up on the public network since the location is hidden. This will also help you to unblock any censored websites such as news or social media.
It is important to download and install a VPN before you use the public WiFi Hotspot. You need to be sure that you are using a safe network to download your VPN. A VPN downloader could easily be faked or disguised by cybercriminals at a public hotspot.
You should avoid sending any private information over a public hotspot. This includes any emails, passwords, names and numbers. Even a physical address can be used against you by cybercriminals.
It’s also a good idea to activate two-factor authentication on your accounts. This means that even if a hacker was able to steal your login details, they will not be able to gain access to your account without you confirming the login.
Alternatives to Using Public WiFi Hotspots
There are risks to using a public WiFi hotspot. There are also some alternatives to using them. Firstly, consider using your mobile data instead. Use a secure mobile hotspot to connect your other devices to the internet.
You can also invest in a portable mini WiFi router. These often work with sim cards or based on a data plan. These devices are secured with a password, which means that only you will have access to it.
However, when we are traveling, using roaming can become extremely expensive. You should consider buying a prepaid sim card for your phone. This will allow you to connect to the internet if there are no secure hotspots nearby.