Public Wi-Fi networks can be found almost anywhere making it easy to connect to the internet wherever you are. Although convenient, they are not always secure, potentially exposing you to online risks and presenting cybercriminals with an opportunity to steal sensitive information.
Simple Tips:
- Think Before You Connect – Before you connect to a public wireless connection, confirm with the appropriate staff that the network is legitimate.
- Use Your Mobile Network Connection – Your wireless hot spot is generally more secure than the public wireless network.
- Avoid Conducting Sensitive Activities – Avoid online shopping, banking, or inputting sensitive data while using the public Wi-Fi.
- Keep Software Up-to-Date – Install updates for your apps and your device’s operating system to keep cybercriminals from taking advantage of known vulnerabilities.
- Use Strong Passwords – Use different passwords for different accounts and devices and do not allow your device to remember your passwords.
- Disable Auto-Connect Features and Always Log Out – Turn off features that automatically connect your device to an available Wi-Fi network and be sure to log out when finished browsing the internet.
- Ensure Your Websites are Encrypted – When entering personal information over the Internet, make sure the website is encrypted. Look for https:// on every page, not just the login page. You can add an “s” after http:// and force the website to display the encrypted version.
