Imagine you're out and about and your mobile data is out. However, there's a public WiFi network nearby, so you decide to connect. Do you understand all the risks of public WiFi and what you're exposing yourself to?
Sometimes, just for the sake of staying connected, we tend to carry out actions that seriously endanger privacy. But, as they say, until you see the wolf's ears, you can't do anything about it. So We are going to show you the dangers that exist and how you can avoid them.
What are the risks of public WiFi networks?
When you connect to your home network, logically, you shouldn't be in too much danger. Although we know that we must protect ourselves so that nothing happens. The problem is that, when you do it on a public WiFi, things change.
By public WiFi you should understand that They are the Internet networks that you can connect to in coffee shops, airports, hotels and other public spaces, sharing them with other people.
And what do you deal with in this?
Data interception
Public WiFi networks You do not have an encrypted connection. This means that anyone connected to the same network will be able to access the information you send. This means that your passwords, bank details, emails, etc. will be exposed and your identity could be stolen.
Impersonation
Related to the above, when obtaining your information you may find yourself in the situation where someone impersonates you. But not only that.
Imagine you're in a hotel and you know that the hotel's WiFi is the name of the hotel. However, when you go to connect, you discover that there are two networks with the same name and you don't know which one to use. So you put in any old one.
El The problem is that there is so-called network phishing., which means that a fake network is created, but with a name similar to the known one, in order to make others believe that they are accessing a secure network. And in reality, when they enter they are providing all their private data to someone whose name you do not know.
Entry of viruses and malware
It has always been said that public WiFi networks are actually a very common gateway for viruses and malware. This is because we are more likely to download infected files.
But not only with downloading. It can also happen that the hackers are able to access the devices and, thus, introduce malicious software to steal information or damage equipment.
Another option is to block functions on the computer or smartphone and then ask for a sum of money to regain control of that device.
man in the middle
This is one of the most common cyberattacks on public WiFi networks. It consists of a person, the hacker, intercepts data transmission between two people (or a person and the Internet). Then, he or she pretends to be one or both of them, without anyone knowing, with the aim of obtaining confidential information that can then be used for his or her own benefit.
How to avoid the risks of public WiFi networks
Despite all the risks of a public WiFi network, there are some measures you can take to try to maintain your privacy and security. Among those recommended are:
Use a VPN
A VPN refers to a virtual private network. It is quite effective because What it does is create a kind of private and encrypted tunnel, thus converting that public WiFi network into an encrypted one while it is being used.
Make sure where you connect
If you have to connect to a public network, and you see that there are several with the same name, or you think that they are similar, instead of rushing to connect, it is better to ask first. That way you might want to know which network to connect to that would give you some security.
Do not connect
Yes, we know, it's not what you want to hear, but the best way to maintain your privacy and security is, without a doubt, not having to connect to public networks. If you have enough data on your mobile, it is better to spend it than to face the risk of hackers getting into your devices and doing anything with them.
Don't access websites you shouldn't
By this we mean that, as far as possible, you should try not to visit websites where you have to enter confidential or private information. For example, the bank's website (or application), social media areas, or similar.
Anything that requires entering a password should not be used with public networks.
If you can't avoid it, then remember to log out of all the accounts you've used. That way you avoid leaving them open and allowing others to use the accounts.
Install a good antivirus
Antiviruses are your friends and can help you detect any unauthorized entries and block them to avoid problems. Even for mobile phones, whether iPhone or Android, you can find some free ones that detect malware.
Keep your computer up to date
Finally, it is best to keep both your mobile phone and your computer or tablet always up to date. last version. This way, you can browse more safely (as far as possible).
Disable sharing
Generally speaking, if you have connected to a public WiFi network it is because you are not going to share something with other devices. So we recommend that you disable data sharing in your computer's system or control panel. That way, you'll put a layer of protection against whatever might happen.
We're not going to tell you that by taking these precautions you'll be free from the risks of public WiFi. Because that wouldn't be true. But you can make things more difficult for hackers and thus prevent yourself from being exposed or losing your privacy and control of your private data. Have you ever been in a situation where your device was put at risk by a public WiFi network?