Wireless internet connections or Wi-fi Hotspots are found in coffee shops, airports, libraries and other public places. But they are not secure. The lack of security makes them risky. When you use a hotspot it is best for you to send info only to websites that are encrypted. You can only be confident about using the hotspot if it asks you to provide a WPA password. If not, understand the network is unsecure. Here are some tips to stay safe on these public networks.

wireless stand

  • Update your mobile or PC’s antivirus software and antispyware software.
  • Do not turn your firewall off. Firewall protects your device form unsolicited attempts to connect to your device when you are using a public network.
  • Always maintain updated software on your device. Remember not to update your software on public internet networks.
  • Disable file sharing when you are using internet on public networks.
  • Use a connection that is protected with a password than use one without a password as the former one is more secured.
  • If it is not urgent then do not send or receive any financial info on public internet connection. Save them for latter using home connections which are secure.
  • If it is a must that you have enter your credit card details while using public networks then take care that you see a locked icon at the browser window and you see a web address that starts with “https”. This means the website is secure.
  • When you are not using Wi-Fi on public network then disable it immediately.
  • Select only Hotspots that are encrypted. It is best to choose network with WPA2 encryption, after that WPA and resort last to WEP.
  •  Turn off File sharing on public networks.
  • Not all sites are encrypted. So you may be still unprotected. So, use virtual private network or VPN. This gives you the security of private network though you are on a public network as this routes your internet activity to a secure network.
  • It is easy to remember if you save passwords but it is not safe. It is best if you do not store passwords and usernames especially when banking online. If you have trouble remembering them use utilities that keep track of your usernames and passwords.
  • Remove sensitive data like confidential files, documents, bank files etc on your home computer. If it is important to use them then store them on NAS devices which you can access safely. This way you can access the info easily and also do not have to use it on a device which you connect to public networks. If you are not willing to spend money on a NAS device then you also have the option of accessing the info from your home machine remotely using apps made for such purposes.

These are some tips for staying safe on public wireless networks.Find More by buzz2fone mobile news blog