Stay secure on public Wi-Fi

Stay secure on public Wi-Fi

Whether you're using a laptop, tablet or smartphone, you'll want to connect your device securely to protect your data as much as possible.

Nothing Is Private on Open Wi-Fi

 Here's some steps you can take to help make sure your computer and data is safe on open public Wi-Fi.

 1. Use a VPN to connect to the hotspot.

 A VPN provides a secure and private way to connect to open networks.

2.  HTTPS Everywhere from the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF). 

This allows you to have a secure connection when you visit common sites like Google, Yahoo, ebay, Amazon, and more.

3.Turn off all sharing:

1. On the Start menu, click Control Panel, and then click Network and Sharing Center.
2. In the panel on the left, click Change advanced sharing settings, and then click the arrow next to Home or Work.
3. Check the following settings:
   
   • Network Discovery: Off
   • File and Printer Sharing: Off
   • Public Folder Sharing: Off
   • File Sharing Connections: Use 128-bit encryption...
4. Click Save Changes.

 

4. Run Anti-Virus Software 

Always running up-to-date anti-virus software can help provide the first alert if your system has been compromised while connected to an unsecured network.

5. Avoid Automatically Connecting to Wi-Fi Hotspots

 Your wireless device may be set to automatically connect to any available Wi-Fi hotspot. That  can seriously endanger your privacy. Not only will this allow your device to connect to public networks without your express permission, you may also be automatically connecting to malicious networks set up specifically to steal your information.

6. Confirm the Network Name: 

Sometimes hackers will set up a fake Wi-Fi network to attract unwitting public Wi-Fi users.Make sure you know the name off the network before you connect.If you’re not sure if you’re connecting to the official network, ask.Employees will know the name of the official network.

Don’t enter personal information connected to a Wi-Fi Hotspot unless you’re completely sure everything is safe and encrypted. If you need to do Internet Banking, wait until you’re at home or in the office.