Staying cautious and informed is integral to using public Wi-Fi safely.
Here are some best practice tips to stay safe:
Avoid Sensitive Activities: Refrain from accessing sensitive information, such as online banking or entering personal passwords, while on public Wi-Fi.
Use a VPN: A Virtual Private Network (VPN) encrypts your internet connection, providing an extra layer of security and privacy.
Verify the Network: Ensure you are connecting to a legitimate network. Scammers often set up fake hotspots with names like legitimate ones.
Disable Automatic Connections: Turn off settings that allow your device to automatically connect to available networks.
Update Software: Keep your device’s operating system and apps updated to protect against known vulnerabilities.
Use Strong Passwords: Employ different passwords for various accounts and devices and avoid options that allow your device to remember passwords.
Disable Auto-Connect Features: Turn off automatic Wi-Fi connection features on your devices and always logout after using a network or account.
By following these tips, you can reduce the risks associated with using public Wi-Fi.