18 tips for free Wi-Fi users
Free Wi-Fi is great. But there are public networks that hide many risks, including even losing all the money in your bank account. The bright side today is here are tips to remember when connecting to free Wi-Fi so that you do not become a victim of Internet fraud when using public Wi-Fi. Free Wi-Fi is an unexpected benefit, especially if you're working from the library or airport, or if you just want to save data on your phone or laptop. However, you have to take care of security precautions when you are out and here are tips on how to browse safely on any device.
When your bank invites you to check a $750 bill, circumstances may force you to choose to access free Wi-Fi rather than waiting to log in from your home network. Mobile, tablet or smartphone settings may not be enough to keep you safe from prying eyes while snooping.. If you want to keep your information and files safe read these essential tips to protect yourself when you are away from home.
Tips to Remember When Connecting to Free Wi-Fi
1.Don't Try to Enter Bank Card Information:
The only guaranteed way to protect yourself from data theft is not to use the internet frequently for online purchases or online banking services. A few paid megabytes become a reasonable price for the safety of your account.
2. Turn off Wi-Fi when not using the Internet:
When you turn off Wi-Fi, you can solve three issues at once: fast battery discharge, automatic connection to a fraudulent network, and spam advertising emails. To obtain additional protection, it is not to connect to the Internet and add the DonerAccum feature to your browser, as it will not allow the device to track your movements.
3.Connecting to the Virtual Network:
Allows your connection status to the Virtual Network to remain anonymous while surfing the Internet. When you enter the different sites you enter you will see the IP of the virtual network and not you. These networks often slow down your internet connection. However, the price is usually not that high and most VPN providers still have free services as well.
4. DO NOT ALLOW YOUR DEVICE TO SAVE THE INTERNET:
Most devices will automatically remember and connect to a hotspot they use once. But scammers and swindlers can create their own access point with the same name and thus access your profile data or even some information about your financial accounts.
5. Pay attention to the network name: Hackers often use networks with names similar to those already in the vicinity. The only difference is that a real hotspot requires a password, while a fake one is free to use. Therefore, before connecting to a free network, ask its owner for its name first.
6. Download a good antivirus program:
Always try to use the latest versions of your antivirus. There are new hacker avenues appearing almost every day, and your antivirus software needs to be kept up-to-date. In addition, an antivirus program should warn you about the possibility of connecting to fake networks.
7. Choose networks that use two-factor authentication:
A network that does not require any additional connection procedures may be a scam. To stay safe, try to choose a network that requires you to enter codes and send them as a text message to your phone. This will protect you from scammers.
8. Maintain password encryption:
Although it seems clear not to write your passwords in different devices without encryption because it makes you more vulnerable to scammers and fraud on the Internet because this negligence makes it much easier for criminals to access your data.
9. Check URL:
Fake networks can redirect you to unknown website networks, except for those networks that only collect your personal data. If you see any strange characters in the URL of a familiar website, this probably means that the website is not authentic. Make sure to use a trusted and secure browser because a good browser will enable you to spot these differences and warn you.
10. Using a secure connection:
One of the simplest ways to protect yourself is a secure connection. It starts with the https: address instead of http:. used by some websites. Some websites, such as Google, use Secure Connection to transmit contact data. If you want all websites to be secure, consider installing HTTPS, which is compatible with all popular browsers.
11. Stop the:
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music files, photos, or other files, or even allow remote logins from other computers on your Wi-Fi network at home because they are private. These settings should be disabled before connecting to a free, public Wi-Fi network because it could enable anyone else in the vicinity to hack into your computer.
If you're using a Windows computer you'll need to start by opening the Advanced settings of the main group section of Network and Internet settings in Control Panel. From here, you'll be able to toggle files and pictures as well as network discovery, which will make your computer visible to anyone on the same network. For Mac, go to System Preferences, then Share and make sure no other option is selected.
12. Protect Your Password:
Using strong and unique passwords for different accounts can help if one of your accounts has been hacked. Keeping track of multiple secure password can be a difficult process. This, using passwords enables you to stay safe and secure.
But don't try to store your information in multiple ways. And using Keebase, which keeps an encrypted database file on your computer. Whereas LastPass stores your credentials. Of course there are pros and cons to each approach but both services are completely secure.
13. Check Your Apps:
Now is the time to keep your browser and internet-connected devices updated with the latest versions, but make sure you do it through your home network or a trusted network and not open Wi-Fi networks. Because open networks while updating apps can allow hackers to install malware on devices.
14. Use Additional Safe Tools:
There is a much greater focus on Internet privacy than ever before. Tor, VPNs, and Donotrack are becoming increasingly popular. On open Wi-Fi, you may find extensions useful for enforcing encryption on websites that aren't encrypted by default. This doesn't protect you from all sites, but it will help you for most sites.
15. Log Out When You're Done:
Don't stay permanently logged into your personal accounts when accessing a public Wi-Fi network as if you were leaving yourself exposed. For added security, log out of each website after each session.
16. Patch before you go:
After updating and updating the software regularly for basic safe practice especially when it comes to Wi-Fi. You should keep your web browser software and antivirus solutions to fix bugs. While the virus engine will help you scan, detect, and remove the latest threats, attackers take advantage of and steer clear of tricking unsuspecting users into downloading something they think is a software update. However, you will quickly realize that the device has been damaged.
17. Avoid Accessing Sensitive Information:
In general, public Wi-Fi networks should not be used to access email, online banking, security card accounts, or any other sensitive data. Your best bet is to do this from home where hopefully your ISP will protect the information.
18. Carry a hotspot with you:
Access to a Wi-Fi hotspot is great but you can carry hotspots with you. Hotspots have their own battery and cellular connection to connect to the Internet, providing many people with Wi-Fi, it will cost you a lot but it may be worth it if you have a hotspot with you.