Public Wi-Fi: Convenient but Risky – Stay Safe Online
In today’s world, the internet has become an essential part of life. People use it for online classes, digital learning, office work, OTT platforms, and social media. However, the biggest problem arises when we are in a place where mobile data is not working.
In such situations, people look for public Wi-Fi. It is usually available at railway stations, bus stops, airports, hotels, and restaurants. Public Wi-Fi is free and can be connected to mobile phones, tablets, or laptops. While it is convenient, it can also be risky.
Recently, the University Grants Commission (UGC) warned students not to log in to personal or professional accounts using public Wi-Fi because it can lead to scams or fraud.
What You Will Learn in This Important News:
Why is public Wi-Fi not safe?
What precautions should you take while using public Wi-Fi?
What are better alternatives to public Wi-Fi?
What is Public Wi-Fi?
Public Wi-Fi is a wireless internet connection available in public places like cafes, restaurants, airports, railway stations, and public libraries. This service is usually free, and anyone can use it by entering a simple password. In some places, you can even connect without a password.
Benefits of Public Wi-Fi
Public Wi-Fi is especially useful while traveling. In busy areas like metro stations, markets, stadiums, and crowded places, mobile internet signals may become weak. Public Wi-Fi helps you stay connected with a better internet connection in such situations.
Why is Public Wi-Fi Risky?
Cyber expert Pavan Duggal warns that anyone can connect to public Wi-Fi, including hackers. They can install malware or viruses on your phone or laptop, which can lead to hacking and data theft. This makes using public Wi-Fi dangerous, as it increases the risk of your personal information being stolen.
Where is Using Public Wi-Fi Most Risky?
Public Wi-Fi often has weak security, making it an easy target for cybercriminals. To stay safe, avoid using public Wi-Fi in these places:
Cafe and Restaurants:
Many cafes and restaurants offer free Wi-Fi, but their networks are not always secure. Hackers can create fake Wi-Fi networks to steal users’ personal information.
Shopping Malls and Retail Stores:
People use free Wi-Fi in malls for online payments and social media. However, these networks are vulnerable to phishing attacks and malware, which can steal your banking details.
Airports and Railway Stations:
Public places like airports and railway stations have thousands of people using Wi-Fi. Hackers can set up fake Wi-Fi portals to steal personal data.
Hotels and Resorts:
Many hotels and resorts do not update their Wi-Fi security regularly. This increases the risk of malware infecting your device. If you log in to banking sites or social media using hotel Wi-Fi, hackers can steal sensitive information.
What to Keep in Mind When Using Public Wi-Fi?
Generally, it’s best to avoid using public Wi-Fi. However, if you need to use it for something important, make sure to follow these safety precautions.
Precautions While Using Public Wi-Fi
Avoid Online Transactions:
Do not use public Wi-Fi for banking, shopping, or online transactions.
Use Secure Websites Only:
Open only websites that start with HTTPS for better security.
Block Suspicious Activity:
If you notice any unusual activity on your device, block it immediately.
Disable Auto-Connect Feature:
Turn off the ‘Auto-Connect’ option in your device settings.
Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA):
Use 2FA security for your online accounts to add an extra layer of protection.
Keep Your Software Updated:
Regularly update your device’s software and operating system to fix security vulnerabilities.
Avoid Public Charging Points:
Do not use public charging stations as they can be compromised to steal data.
Secure Alternatives to Public Wi-Fi
In today’s digital age, security and data privacy are extremely important. To keep your data safe, it’s best to avoid using public Wi-Fi. Instead, you can use several secure alternatives. Here’s how:
Personal Hotspot
For sensitive activities like banking, email, or social media logins, using your phone’s mobile hotspot is a great choice. It’s more secure than public Wi-Fi because it encrypts the data transfer, reducing the risk of cyber-attacks.
You can turn on your phone’s hotspot to connect your laptop or other devices to the internet. Control the settings yourself and ensure that WPA2 or WPA3 security is enabled to prevent others from using it.
USB Tethering
USB tethering means sharing your phone’s internet connection with your laptop or computer via a USB cable. This method offers a more secure and stable connection compared to public Wi-Fi. Only one device can be connected at a time, making it a safer option.