Why is Public Wi-Fi Unsecure?
We’re all guilty of it: connecting to free public Wi-Fi. Whether it’s at the coffee shop, hotel or airport, the temptation to check e-mail or surf the web is just too strong to resist. But before you connect to any free public WiFi, make sure the connection is secure and legitimate.
Hackers often set up fake Wi-Fi networks to trick you into connecting – giving them full access to your activity. It’s not uncommon for their “network” to look almost identical to the real one. A single letter in a wi-fi name can lead you down a dark path. How do you know which is the safe and secure network? “tampa-airport” or “tampaairport”
Even if it’s legit, public WiFi still poses risks. It’s like using a public restroom with no stalls – you’re sharing the space with everyone else and exposing sensitive data. If a hacker directs you to a fake access page where you click to approve the terms of use, you could be installing a virus!
How to Stay Safe on Public Wi-Fi
- The BEST option is to use your phone as a hotspot or carry your own portable WiFi device.
- If your company provides a secure VPN, use it whenever you must connect to public Wi-Fi. It adds a layer of encrypted protection between your device and the Internet.
- And if there’s no secure option, avoid logging into sensitive accounts or entering payment details until you’re on a private, trusted network.
