Public WiFi Safety

Tips for ensuring your safe surfing during the holidays and year-round

Whether you’re in a coffee shop, an airport, or even a doctor’s office, public WiFi is a welcome convenience. However, the reward of convenience doesn’t come without risk. Afterall, your online device likely contains sensitive data like passwords, email addresses, banking info, and more. In the wrong hands, this data can lead to identity theft, draining of bank accounts, and other forms of financial fraud.

The good news is that most public networks have built-in safeguards, including encryption that scrambles data to keep hackers from accessing sensitive data. Even so, there are steps you should take when logging onto a public network to further protect your personal data.
 

1. Check that the connection is encrypted
An encrypted network, one that scrambles data to foil hackers, will feature either a padlock symbol or “https” in the address bar to the left of the network website address. When connecting to an encrypted network, you should be prompted to enter a password. If you don’t get asked for a password, don’t log in.
 

2. Verify the network name
Hackers will often create bogus networks with names similar to the name of safe public networks. Review your list of network options carefully and if you’re uncertain which one is safe, ask an employee or look on your receipt or for signage to prevent inadvertently log into a bogus network.
 

3. Configure for safety
If your device is set up to automatically connect to public networks, re-configure it so that you don’t unwittingly land on an unsafe connection.

Here's how to reconfigure automatic Wi-Fi login on three different platforms:

► Windows
     → Go to Settings and select Network & Internet settings. Select Wi-Fi Status followed by Change Adapter Options. In the General tab, select Wireless Properties followed by the Connection tab. Uncheck Connect Automatically When This Network is in Range.

► Android
     → Go to your phone's Settings and click Accounts followed by Google. Next, select your Google account and navigate to Security followed by Password Manager settings. Turn off the "Auto sign-in" option.

► Mac
     → Open Apple menu. Select System Settings and click Users & Groups. Select Login Options and set Automatic Login to off. 

If you’re not interested in giving up the convenience of automatic login at the office or home for occasional public network access, then be sure to always “forget” any public Wi-Fi network you access in your device's settings to prevent future automatic logins. 

4. Stay up to date
Security is one of the primary aims of software and systems updates. Make sure your computer and phone operating systems, internet browser, and any security software are up to date and be sure turn set your devices for automatic updates to make sure you have the latest protection offerings.

5. Look for red flags
For the most part, secure, reputable networks run smoothly. If you’re on a new-to-you network and notice odd lags, pop-ups, or slow speeds, disconnect immediately. If you need to be online, reconnect using your mobile data connection just to be sure.

6. Get a VPN
If your job or life requires to regularly tap into public WiFi, you may want to invest in a Virtual Private Network (VPN). A service that connects your online data to a remote server and transmits it through a “secure tunnel” that can’t be accessed by hackers, VPNs are widely available for computers and mobile in both premium (paid) and free forms. For tips on choosing a VPN, click click here

While hackers will always be working to find a way in to where they’re not welcome, you can significantly reduce the risks associated with public Wi-Fi while traveling by following these tips.

If you do fall victim to a hacker or fraud, report it to the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) Fraud Division.

DISCLAIMER: This article is meant for educational purposes only and is not intended to be construed as financial, tax, investment or legal advice.