Have you ever used public Wi-Fi without giving it much thought or considering the potential risks? Though it could appear practical, using public Wi-Fi puts your data in danger.
It has become more usual for consumers to connect their devices to public Wi-Fi networks due to the increasing number of locations offering free service. Many individuals need help understanding, meanwhile, that public Wi-Fi networks can serve as havens for hackers and other cybercriminals.
The possible security hazards of using a public Wi-Fi network must be understood in the current digital era. You may guarantee an even more secure online experience and safeguard your sensitive data by taking the appropriate safety measures if you know these hazards. We are going to look at the many security threats connected to public Wi-Fi networks in this article and offer advice on how to minimize such risks.
What Are the Biggest Dangers of Using Public Wi-Fi Networks?
While public Wi-Fi is accessible and appealing to customers, there are issues related to security and privacy. For example, free Wi-Fi hotspots don't require authentication to connect to the network, which makes it simple for hackers to access unprotected devices. What are the most significant risks associated with using public Wi-Fi networks, then?
1. Infecting your device with malware
Malware can be introduced by hackers into an unprotected Wi-Fi network, infecting the connected devices in turn. You may receive phony pop-ups asking you to update a widely used piece of software from hackers who have compromised the connection point. The malware is installed by clicking it.
The hacker can erase files, steal confidential data, and render your device unusable after the software has taken control of it. The worst thing is that you could not even be aware that malware has been installed on your device.
How to protect your devices against malware
A VPN service and anti-malware software are crucial security layers that shield your whole online experience. These tools operate around the clock to protect your data and device when you switch between Wi-Fi networks.
2. Identity theft through online victim profiling
The most considerable risk associated with utilizing public Wi-Fi is identity theft. Hackers may get enough information about you if you are not utilizing a virtual private network (VPN) to conceal your information. They could use this information to craft phishing emails and targeted cyberattacks, find your passwords on the Dark Web, or access your online accounts.
Hackers can, at the very least, follow you around on public Wi-Fi and find
- Location information about your most recent travels.
- Personal details, including your occupation, hobbies, and marital status.
- Comprehensive financial data pertaining to your credit and bank accounts.
How to keep your data safe on public Wi-Fi
The greatest defense against having personal information exposed over public Wi-Fi is strong encryption. Use a virtual private network (VPN) to protect yourself when using any Wi-Fi hotspot, including your own.
3. Stealing your passwords
When utilizing public Wi-Fi, some hackers use specialized programs to look for credentials you have typed into emails, apps, or websites or saved in your browser.
One of the worst risks associated with using public Wi-Fi is password leaks, as they allow nefarious hackers to gain direct control over your accounts. With business login data, the consequences are far worse. For instance, the login credentials for a worker's personal Google account were compromised, resulting in a hack of the IT Company Cisco.
How to protect your passwords
Your credentials can be kept secret from snooping scammers by using a VPN. But keeping all of your login information safe in a password manager is also a smart move. By automatically entering your login information into websites, a password manager shields it from hackers who might be listening in.
4. Snooping for confidential data
Public Wi-Fi networks that are not secured can be surveilled by hackers. Someone else on the network can monitor your activities in your device when connected to public Wi-Fi by utilizing specialized software.
The hacker may occasionally merely view your surfing history. If you are not lucky, the attacker might obtain your login credentials and use them to get private data, leading to a data breach.
Malicious actors might record data packets moving between machines connected to a network using specialized software. This allows hackers to intercept data transmitted over the network, including IP addresses and passwords.
How to keep your sensitive documents safe
It is critical for everyone, including employees and business owners, to be aware of the security hazards involved in accessing public Wi-Fi. It is crucial to have a robust cyber security suite that safeguards both you and your staff. Refusing to share, receive, or discuss private material over public hotspots is also advised.
5. Taking over your business accounts (Business Email Compromise)
Scammers target your work email in Business Email Compromise (BEC) schemes, posing as someone you know and sending phony messages. They can request that you submit wire transfers to fictitious “clients” or alter your payment details.
Anyone can fall victim to a BEC scam, ranging from big enterprises to tiny local businesses. They resulted in losses of $6.9 billion in 2021.
How to protect yourself
Fraudsters will invest a lot of time and resources to deceive you. Knowing how to identify a scammer in an email is crucial.
Learning about digital security enables you to exercise caution. Additionally, it teaches you to create safer reflexes, like verifying transactions twice. Furthermore, having identity theft insurance along with financial fraud and credit protection can save your life in the worst-case scenario.
6. Ransomware attacks that disrupt lives and businesses
Cyberattacks targeting public Wi-Fi networks often look for ways to get access to cloud storage platforms. Unscrupulous individuals can use your sensitive data as leverage to blackmail you into disclosing it.
Attacks using ransomware increased by 80% in 2022, increasing the risk to individuals and enterprises.
How to protect yourself
First, avoid using public Wi-Fi to log into private file-sharing sites. However, if you must, encrypt your data using technologies like a VPN. Lastly, always have a backup copy of your most critical information stored somewhere secure—ideally off the Internet.
7. Using session hijacking to break into your accounts
Malicious hackers can take control of the connection between your device and the app or website you are accessing by utilizing a technique called session hijacking. They now have the same rights as you do as a valid user logged in. For instance, they might use your stored credit card information to enter an online business.
Cybercriminals lust for the unrestricted access that this kind of assault provides. Without a password, it enables them to access your accounts and get over website security safeguards.
How to avoid session hijacking when on public Wi-Fi
Never keep your credit card information on file in your online account, even if it sounds convenient, for safe online shopping. Additionally, for enhanced security, select an always-on, comprehensive protection package that guards against financial and identity fraud and device and online safety.
8. Taking over your online accounts (email, social media, etc.)
Illegal access to your accounts by malicious parties can result in account takeovers, wherein they seize complete control over your accounts. Your social media accounts, bank accounts, and email may all fall under this category.
Cybercriminals are concentrating on account takeover strategies that circumvent these precautions, duping you into submitting 2FA codes, ever since financial institutions strengthened their authentication protocols.
How to protect yourself against account takeover fraud on public Wi-Fi
Always use a VPN, at least on a regular basis, to encrypt your personal information whenever you need to access sensitive accounts (banking, shopping, email, etc.). To avoid worrying about using these expensive services, it's always better to have your VPN turned on.
It is beneficial to ascertain whether your personal information, such as passwords and Social Security numbers (SSNs), has been compromised due to data breaches. This allows you to respond quickly by letting you be aware of which of your accounts is in danger.
9. Targeting you with phishing attacks
Phishing is a type of social engineering assault in which victims are tricked into disclosing personal information by means of false messages. Passwords, authentication codes, papers, and other materials can be examples of this.
Attackers can snoop on network traffic and introduce phishing attacks—phishing emails, texts, and voicemails—by breaking into Wi-Fi hotspots.
How to avoid phishing attacks over public Wi-Fi
Phishing costs American companies and consumers more than $54 million in 2021. Therefore, it makes sense to enhance your cyber security ecosystem with additional layers to lower the likelihood of aggressive phishing assaults.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) advises you to do the following:
- Use a robust security solution, such as Aura, with VPN and antivirus software.
- Update your software frequently.
- Activate multi-factor authentication (MFA), which uses a fingerprint, facial ID, or one-time code to verify your identity.
10. Gaining remote control of your device
In the most dire circumstances, hackers might even be able to maliciously infect the device you are using with malware that allows them to access or even take control of it remotely. This software is frequently concealed within malicious advertisements on websites under the control of hackers.
How to protect your devices from remote access malware when on public Wi-Fi
Multi-layered digital security is the most effective approach to keeping all your devices safe — no matter what you use them for.
An ideal digital security suite must include five essential components, which are as follows.
- Device security
- Data protection
- Personal information monitoring
- Expert support for guidance
- Identity theft insurance
How do you connect to public Wi-Fi safely?
However, there is no disputing the convenience of accessing free Wi-Fi. Fortunately, there are several security precautions you may take to protect your data when utilizing a public network. The following recommendations are for increased security:
1. Make use of a VPN.
Your connection is more secure when you use a virtual private network (VPN), as it encrypts your data. This guarantees that nobody, not even a hacker, can obtain your data directly (the only method would be to subject it to a drawn-out and lengthy decoding process). However, use caution if you use a VPN abroad, as some nations, including Russia, China, and Turkey, have outlawed this software.
NB: Verify the strength and security of your passwords!
2. Give SSL connections a top priority.
Your web browser's “Always Use HTTPS” feature can help you increase connection security whether or not you have a VPN. In other words, information is transferred safely between a server that hosts the website and the web browser. This is very important if you use public Wi-Fi to access your online bank account or shopping cart.
You may have compromised your data if your browser's address bar displays the unlocked padlock icon, which indicates an insecure connection.
3. Switch off your Wi-Fi and browse the Internet using your mobile data instead.
Yes, you read that correctly! Due to its convenience, public Wi-Fi frequently connects automatically to any known network that is within the reach of your device, transmitting your data in the process. For this reason, when not in use, turn off your Wi-Fi.
Since your phone follows you around, it's essential to keep it off of Wi-Fi. You may connect to a public Wi-Fi network automatically whenever you are close to one you are already familiar with, such as when you are outside a café and have previously used it. If your phone has background app refresh enabled, hackers may be able to access sensitive data that your phone is transmitting and receiving while it is tucked away in your pocket. Turn on data on the cell phone to access critical information instead; mobile networks are frequently more secure.
4. Enable Two Factor Authentication (2FA)
Two-factor authentication, or 2FA, extends login procedures with an additional step. The use will determine how this step is used. Usually, the only information communicated to another device is a temporary passcode. Sometimes, though, the computer requires a physical key to be inserted.
Completing the two-factor authentication process can be irritating. However, even if they know your password, it can frequently prevent hackers from accessing your connection.
5. Disable Sharing
It is unlikely that you will share anything with other people when utilizing public Wi-Fi. Because it poses a severe security risk to your device, there is no justification for leaving it on. To turn off sharing, navigate to the Control Panel of your computer or System Preferences.
Alternatively, when you connect to a new network for the first time with Windows, select the Public option. This will turn off all sharing features right now.
6. Use a Firewall
There is another approach to lessen the security dangers that public Wi-Fi connections pose. A firewall is a device, either hardware- or software-based, that serves as a gateway between an untrusted external network like the Internet and a trusted internal network. To prevent unwanted access, firewalls can be set up to either allow or block specific kinds of communication.
Firewalls can be software- or hardware-based, typically built into routers. Although hardware firewalls are often more expensive, they provide superior security and performance. Although they might not offer as much security, software-based firewalls are more straightforward to install and maintain.
It is crucial to consider the traffic that should be permitted or prohibited while designing a firewall. Set up the firewall appropriately, for instance, to allow web browsing but prohibit email.
How to improve the security of my router?
Fortunately, there are lots of things you can do to strengthen the security of your home wireless network, router, and any devices that are linked to it.
- Firmware updates. Maintaining a regular firmware update for your router helps ensure that there are no security holes that cybercriminals could exploit. You may be sure you won't unintentionally overlook any new router updates by enabling automatic updates.
- Disable remote management: The router may be vulnerable to unwanted access if remote control is enabled. This can be accomplished through the setup and settings of your router.
- Check your router settings. Using the default settings of your router puts you in danger because it will make it simpler for internet thieves to get in.
- Set up a guest network. If someone asks to use your house Wi-Fi, think about creating a guest network that they may use instead of giving them your login information. To reduce the chance of hackers taking advantage of these weaknesses, you can also link susceptible Internet of Things devices to the guest network.
- Use a firewall. Activate the integrated firewall on your router if it has one. While a firewall by itself will not guarantee the security of your home Wi-Fi network, it is a fantastic extra layer of protection for your gadgets.
- Use strong passwords. It takes more than simply router security to use strong passwords. Use different passwords for each of your devices and accounts. A strong password has enough characters, digits, and special characters in both capital and lowercase. It ought to be challenging to guess as well. A password management program can help you organize all of your many complicated passwords more easily.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Is public Wi-Fi safe if there is a password?
It is safer to use a password-required secured Wi-Fi connection than open, unprotected Wi-Fi. An instantaneous connection to an available network could be more convenient. However, a hotel or café hosting a private network removes the possibility that a hacker will use public Wi-Fi to entice unsuspecting victims. Thus, always inquire about the password and see if there is a private Wi-Fi network.
Q. Is Wi-Fi 6 safer?
One of the various techniques to stop router hacking is to use the more sophisticated data encryption provided by Wi-Fi 6's WPA3 security protocol over WPA2.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, even if public Wi-Fi is practical, you should be mindful of the security concerns it presents. It is possible to reduce the likelihood of becoming a victim of cybercriminals and safeguard confidential information by adopting secure connections and taking preventative measures. Take advantage of the convenience of public Wi-Fi while staying safe and secure.
