How to Keep Your Device Safe When Accessing Unsecured Network
The Dangers of Open Networks
So, you’re in a café and you’re looking to connect to their Wi-Fi network. Seems like a pretty normal thing to do, right? And it is – nowadays, most cafés, restaurants, hotels and even banks and public buildings have a Wi-Fi network for their customers and visitors. However, not all of these networks are safe and secure, and, because they’re unsecured, they cyber criminals can access them with impunity, and you can easily fall victim to their machinations.
Luckily, there are ways to prevent that. In this article, you’ll find several tips that will help you keep your device and your data safe even if you do decide to connect to an unsecured network. Let’s check them out.
Password vs. No Password
When you’re trying to connect to a public network, do consider preferring password-protected Wi-Fis. A password is the first line of defense for a network, and quality encryption should stop an attacker in their tracks.
However, consider that not all password-protected connections use state of the art encryption, nor do they pay much heed to it. Passwords can be cracked, and, unless you’re employing an additional layer of protection on your own device, the attacker can easily steal and manipulate your data.
Browse HTTPS Sites
Even if the Wi-Fi network you’re connected to is exposed, Google is always trying to protect its own. That’s why most pages use the HTTPS protocol which ensures that your data is protected. How does HTTPS actually work? For starters, it prevents third parties from tracking your data on a page by encrypting the communication between your device and the server, and by giving your device the key to deciphering the data only the server knows about.
On that note, not all pages use this security protocol. Luckily, Google will tell you if the page is protected. The first clue is the https:// protocol displayed before the www. and the second is a lock before the link in the address bar.
Keep Your Info to Yourself
One of the key ways of protecting yourself when connected to an unsecured network is to keep the info you give to a minimum. This includes the login details for the various websites you visit, as well as very sensitive info such as your credit card or account numbers.
With that being said, try not to do any shopping online when connected to an unsecured network. Shopping online requires you to compromise both your own sensitive information, as well as the seller’s.
Use a VPN
Using a virtual private network is perhaps the best possible way of keeping your browsing private and secure while you're connected to an unsecured network. A VPN hides your activities by encrypting your data and hiding your IP from prying eyes, allowing you to feel safe and secure on even the most open networks.
However, be vary, VPNs can vary in their security levels. The best VPNs you’ll have to pay for, though, if you’re really feeling exposed, they offer the best protection possible but come with a hefty price tag.. Fortunately, you can check this trusted online resource that will help you find top really free VPN services out there that will do just as good a job without you having to break your bank to employ their services.
Limit File Sharing and Connectivity
Last, but not least, way of protecting yourself on unsecured networks is limiting file sharing and what your device connects to. Though AirDrops are fun and practical, they are not particularly secure, and an attacker might just use this feature to spy on your data or gain access to your device entirely. If you're looking to stay anonymous, turn off the AirDrop feature in public and keep file sharing to a minimum.
As far as connectivity goes, most devices have features that allow them to connect to networks automatically. However, this can make you an easy mark, so it’s prudent to keep your device from connecting to strange networks automatically. With that being said, make sure to turn off your Bluetooth as well, as a hacker can use that feature of your device as well to access and tamper with your data.
Conclusion
All in all, the best way to protect yourself in public is not to connect to any unsecured networks at all. But, if you must stay connected (and, let’s face it, most of us do) take heed and employ some of the tips and tricks we’ve listed here to ensure you don’t end up as another victim of a cyber-attack.
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