Public WiFi Security: 9 Steps to Protect Yourself

The chance to save on your mobile data plan, or maybe just connect the laptop or tablet and get a little work done with good coffee and no distractions – sounds great!

Unfortunately hackers also love free WiFi, and with instances of #CyberCrime continuing to rise we all must protect ourselves. Even if you do not use public WiFi, you and your device will pass through public and private WiFi signals every day. Everyone should know these 9 steps for public WiFi security – read on, and be sure to share this information with your family and friends to help them stay informed and protected.

Switch off WiFi when you aren’t using it: If you’re in range of a public WiFi network (shopping centres, coffee shops, libraries, public transport etc. almost always have them) and not specifically using it – disable the WiFi on your device to stay hidden and prevent cybercriminals from snooping.

Turn on your firewall: Both Windows and Mac offer basic firewall protection, and while they are not nearly as secure as fully-featured paid solutions, they offer some defence against attackers.

In Windows, go to Windows Start - Settings - Update & Security - Windows Security (or just type security) and there you can adjust settings for Virus & threat protection, Account protection, Firewall & network protection and Device security. (this is on Windows 10 which we recommend you update to, and if you aren't using Windows 10 get in touch with us, we'd love to help you update

On a Mac go to System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Firewall.

Learn to recognize secured vs. unsecured WiFi: Unsecured WiFi, public or otherwise, should always be avoided. For the highest security, use your mobile data connection or wait until you are able to use a secured network elsewhere.

Secured WiFi requires you to enter some credentials – a username and password provided by the coffee shop or airline or library, perhaps your email or contact details. Some will require you to register for a username.

Remember: the word “secured” does not mean that using it is safe. It is only confirming that the connection between your device and the network is secured.

Be a Smart Browser: Our individual habits are the biggest defence against – or vulnerability to – cyber criminals. Set up 2FA (2 Factor Authentication) wherever it is offered, especially for email, banking, and social media. Take a look at this helpful video from Authy about 2FA.

Always use strong passwords containing numbers, uppercase, and lowercase letters. For an easy way to create strong, easy to remember passwords see our guide here.

Don’t use public WiFi for anything financial: No internet banking, no online shopping. And absolutely no filling out forms withpersonal data on unsecured WiFi. Use your mboile data plan if you must make any financial transactions, or complete any form asking for personal data.

Secure websites show HTTPS and the padlock icon in the address bar

Look for the S and the padlock

If you look in the address bar of your Internet browser (where you type a website address like www.anytech365.com, for example), you will see either http:// or https:// at the beginning of the website address. That S means “Secure”. HTTPS is the industry standard for secure communication over the Internet. In plain English, it is the normal way to secure any communication between computers, phones, and other devices that talk to each other over the Internet.

Checking that the websites you visit are secured; it dramatically reduces the possibility of your personal data being intercepted between you and the website you are visiting.

Keep your system and apps updated: Microsoft, Apple, Android, and iOS all receive regular security updates and improvements, and so does the vast majority of software installed on your PC. With AnyTech365 IntelliGuard we are able to help you keep your Windows and Mac computers updated. Get in touch to learn more!

Hackers are constantly trying to find vulnerabilities, and developers constantly update and improve and protect software against those vulnerabilities.

Turn off file and printer sharing: At home or at work, the ability to share files and printers is useful, and the network should have been secured by a professional already. On a public network, this allows remote logins from other devices in the same network.

In Windows, go to Control Panel > Network and the Internet > Network and Sharing Center. In the left pane, choose Change advanced sharing settings then find the File and Printer Sharing section and select Turn off file and printer sharing.

Use a VPN

A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, creates a nearly-unbreakable and secure connection between your device and the Internet, encrypting all traffic. Using a VPN even at home has many benefits, but in public, it makes you an almost impossible target for hackers. A high quality and secure VPN will usually cost a subscription fee – a worthwhile investment if you value your privacy and protecting your data online.

There you have it – 9 simple steps to public WiFi security. If you would like help with any of these security tips, or if you have any other PC or Internet related problems, concerns, or questions we would love to help give you peace of mind and help resolve any issues. We offer technical support in 13 languages, and we’re ready to help you – click here to get in touch.

IT experts at AnyTech365