How to Avoid Public WiFi Security Risks

Public WiFi can be a lifesaver when you’re out of data or hanging out at a coffee shop. A Forbes 2023 study revealed that coffee shops and restaurants top the list for public Wi-Fi usage. These venues see the highest percentage of people connecting, with 38% of users tapping into accessible networks while grabbing a bite or sipping their favorite brew.

But watch out—it’s also prime real estate for hackers. Knowing the risks and guarding yourself is crucial for staying safe online. Nothing fancy; it’s just a straightforward approach to avoiding these malicious threats.

Risks of Using Public Wifi

Public wifi networks are vulnerable to various threats:

• Man-in-the-middle attacks: Hackers intercept and alter communication between your device and the public wifi router, potentially stealing sensitive information such as login credentials or financial details.
• Unencrypted networks: Data transmitted over unsecured networks can be intercepted by cybercriminals, allowing them to view and exploit your online activities.
• Malware distribution: Malicious software can spread through insecure connections on public WiFi. This can happen through malicious ads or compromised websites that inject malware into devices connected to the network, leading to potential data theft or system damage.
• WiFi Snooping and Sniffing: Attackers can use specialized tools to monitor and capture data packets transmitted over public wifi networks, including emails, browsing history, and personal information.
• Malicious hotspots: Fake wifi networks set up by attackers mimic legitimate hotspots to lure users into connecting, enabling them to capture sensitive data or redirect traffic to malicious sites.

How to Stay Safe Using the Internet Through a Public Wifi

While public WiFi networks offer convenience for staying connected on the go, they also expose users to potential cybersecurity threats.

Here’s how to stay safe using public Wi-Fi when connecting to the internet.

Avoid Sensitive Transactions

When using public WiFi, avoid accessing banking or financial accounts or entering personal information like passwords or social security numbers. Avoid online purchases or bill payments, as these actions can expose your financial information to potential threats on public WiFi networks. 

While mobile online shopping offers convenience, it’s crucial to prioritize security by ensuring you’re on a secure, private network before conducting sensitive transactions.

Keep Your Operating System Up to Date

Ensuring your operating system is up to date is essential when accessing public WiFi to safeguard your personal information. Updated OS versions often include critical security patches that protect against vulnerabilities exploited by cyber threats on public networks. 

By enabling automatic updates or checking for updates regularly, you can ensure your device has the latest security measures, including improved encryption and device safety from possible threats.

This proactive approach enhances online security and reduces the risk of unauthorized access or data breaches while using public WiFi.

To check if your system is up to date, go to Start > Settings > Windows Update > Click Check for Updates or Install Updates if your Windows is outdated, as shown above.

Use a VPN (Virtual Private Network)

Encrypt your internet connection with a VPN to create a secure tunnel between your device and the internet. This prevents hackers from intercepting your data and ensures your online activities remain private. In a nutshell, a VPN is like a traffic enforcer when you’re about to go from point A to B.

Use Two Factor Authentication

Implementing Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) enhances security when connecting to public WiFi. 2FA adds an extra layer of protection by requiring a second verification form, such as a code sent to your phone or email and your password. This helps prevent unauthorized access and protects your accounts from potential security breaches while using public networks.

Access only HTTPS websites

 HTTPS encrypts data exchanged between your browser and the website, protecting it from interception by third parties. Look for the padlock icon and “https://” in the URL bar, which indicate that the website uses SSL/TLS encryption. This encryption ensures that your sensitive information, such as login credentials and payment details, remains private and secure while browsing. 

Avoid entering personal information on websites that do not have HTTPS encryption to minimize the risk of data interception and unauthorized access. 

Use Third Party Security with a Cross-Platform Functionality

Investing in security that protects your Windows laptop and Android phone is paramount since these devices are mostly used to connect to public Wi-Fi. A functionality that Fortect is an expert at.

Fortect Mobile Security includes a WiFi scanner that notifies users about unsafe public networks, including those with weak or no passwords. This feature helps protect connected devices from cyberattacks, such as man-in-the-middle attacks and malware distribution, that exploit vulnerabilities in public WiFi connections.

Fortect Mobile Security for Android is an exclusive feature available to premium subscribers and available at Google Play.

Download and Install Fortect now so your Android device is safe when connecting to public wifi and your Windows PC is secure from viruses and malware-related attacks.

Adjust Connection Settings

Disable automatic WiFi connections to unknown networks on your devices—both your laptop and your mobile phone. Instead, manually select trusted networks and turn off WiFi when not in use to minimize exposure to potential threats.

Always Logout

Last but certainly not least, remember to log out of all services and apps after your session. This simple step helps protect your accounts and sensitive information from potential security risks associated with public networks.

Why Do People Use Public Wifi?

People often use public wifi for various reasons beyond cellular network limitations, including accessing social media, making calls through apps, and browsing the internet. According to Forbes, 32% of people use public Wi-Fi as a last resort without a cellular connection, demonstrating its widespread use despite security risks, and 20% for online transactions, suggesting a degree of caution among users.

By understanding these risks and implementing these precautions, you can confidently use public wifi networks while safeguarding your personal information from cyber threats.