Business Tech - Keeping your information safe: The dangers of using public Wi-Fi

Bahar Ferguson 

Public Wi-Fi is convenient, but is it safe? Forty-five percent of working adults in America think so. The truth about connecting to free Wi-Fi hotspots in coffee shops, libraries and other public places isn’t always straightforward.

While the risks of using public Wi-Fi often get blown out of proportion, there are some real dangers to consider.

What Information Gets Exposed When Using Public Wi-Fi?

When you use public Wi-Fi, you’re inadvertently exposing yourself to several risks. Your personal information, including passwords and financial data, is vulnerable to interception by third parties.

Your device’s MAC address and IP address are also visible to the network. With this information, you are trackable. While most reputable networks don’t do this, being aware of the risks involved in using public Wi-Fi is still important.

Additionally, your device can get infected with malware if you connect to an unsecured network.

How Can Hackers Use Your Information?

The networks you connect to can track your movements and activities. A script kiddie or an advanced attacker may misuse and abuse your device.

Once a hacker finds your personal information, they can use it to access your accounts, make fraudulent charges or even sell it to other criminals.

Examples of malicious hacking activities include:

• Malware and keylogger insertions.

• Hijacking to perform DDS (Distributed Denial of Service) attacks.

• Cryptocurrency mining.

• Accessing other sites or services on the network.

Most people don’t realize how easily hackers can access their personal information when using public Wi-Fi. Hackers often set up fake Wi-Fi networks that look legitimate but are actually just a way for them to steal your data.

How to Protect Yourself When Using Public Wi-Fi

There are a few key ways to keep your information safe when using public Wi-Fi. Make sure to follow these tips for more peace of mind when using a shared Internet connection.

1. Don’t enter personal information. One way to protect yourself when using public Wi-Fi is never entering any personal information. Likewise, don’t make online purchases while connected, either.

Your personal information includes your name, email address, home address, financial information and passwords.

Also, don’t use a public Wi-Fi connection to update your apps or security software.

2. Use a VPN (Virtual Private Network). If you absolutely must access sensitive information over a public Wi-Fi connection, a VPN is essential. VPNs help protect your data from getting stolen or hacked.

A VPN service encrypts your traffic and creates a secure tunnel between your device and the server. This encrypts the traffic between your device and the connection you’re joining. Since no one can see what you are doing online, it’s difficult for third parties to intercept your data.

3. Don’t connect to unknown networks. Always check with the business you’re visiting before using their public Wi-Fi. Don’t join a random public Wi-Fi network without knowing anything about it. For example, ask the manager or employee for the Wi-Fi password if you are at a coffee shop. If they don’t know, look for a Wi-Fi sign posted inside. If neither is a success, skip it.

Also, if possible, use a secured network.

4. Keep your firewall turned on. Most public Wi-Fi networks aren’t secure, meaning anyone can access them. In addition, they don’t usually have a firewall in place, either. In these cases, any malicious actor who is on the same network as you can try to exploit vulnerabilities in your system.

Because of this, always keep your firewall turned on while connecting to a free Wi-Fi network. A firewall works by monitoring incoming and outgoing traffic and blocking or allowing connections based on a set of rules.

It’s possible to configure your firewall to block all incoming connections, only allow trusted connections or somewhere in- between. Adjust your firewall settings depending on the level of security you need. This is just one more form of added protection to help prevent malicious attacks.

5. Don’t use public USB charging stations. While this last tip isn’t specifically related to public Wi-Fi, it’s just as important in protecting your device from cyber criminals and hackers.

Those public USB charging stations seem harmless, but hackers can modify them to install malware into your gadget or steal your personal information. Once you plug in, it’s too late. Bring your own charger and find a power outlet instead. Another option is having a portable power bank on hand for a quick and easy recharge.

Public Wi-Fi doesn’t have to be scary, but it is something that users should be cautious of before automatically connecting wherever they go. By following some simple steps to protect your device and your data, you can enjoy the convenience of public Wi-Fi without worry.

Bahar Ferguson is the president of Wasatch I.T, a Utah-based IT company for small and mid-sized businesses.