For all those who travel a lot and still need to stay connected to the network due to various reasons, it is always the Wi-Fi that they look out for. However, a sound advice that is often given to the users of public Wi-Fi is not to share sensitive data. Even though, this might seem a sensible thing to do but you cannot avoid other online threats that are a part of it. Additionally, you might be under the impression that online banking is secure if it is encrypted. The truth might be something else. Let us understand the implications of using public Wi-Fi that should explain you why it is dangerous.
Hacking and Snooping
Encryption is all about giving you protection against prying eyes and to secure your network traffic. You will be protected from unnecessary snooping by a nearby user. For example, you are on Wi-Fi and anyone who is within the range will be easily able to look at what you are surfing including the web pages that you have visited if it is not encrypted. Encryption is all about giving you protection between your device and the wireless router. However, the scenario is different when you connect via public or open Wi-Fi as it is mostly unencrypted means less secure. There is no passphrase when you need to connect to it. This means that every webpage or website or link that you visit is unencrypted that can be intercepted or accessed by any hacker or cyber offender.
Unencrypted is always unsafe as it gives hackers a chance to snoop and hijack your online session. Firesheep is one such example of a snooping tool that comes handy in public or open Wi-Fi which enables in snooping of online sessions. Another tool is Wireshark that is used to analyze and capture traffic.
What to do?
The best possible solution is to surf only encrypted websites that have a prefix of HTTPS. This is a browser extension that helps you get to safe websites. For those who surf on public Wi-Fi can use a VPN for browsing. This way no one can monitor your online activity, you will only be visible as a connection on the network.
Vulnerable Devices
If you are using a Laptop or even a Netbook on open Wi-Fi then you need to be cautious. Devices like these when connected are vulnerable to attacks. You must be cautious in choosing Public Network over Home or Office networks. Your connection will be locked down when you are using Public Network, this helps you avoid unnecessary file and sensitive data sharing on local network. One more thing that you need to remember is to keep your security patches up-to-date.
What to do?
You need to select the option of Public Network when you are establishing connection via Wi-Fi, firewalls and other security patches are a must. Using a firewall that is provided by Windows too is helpful in keeping your laptop safe even when you are on local network.
Malicious Hotspots
Hotspots too are malicious when the connection is automatically established. Often, while your device gets automatically connected to a hotspot of a business there are greater chances of infection. This is because you can never be sure if it is secure and not set up by a hacker. For example, a honeypot network seems similar to a legit network if it is set up by a hacker. This is done with an intent to trick users into connecting. Even legit bank websites are copied so skillfully by hackers that you will be hardly able to make any difference. You cannot be sure about the HTTPS encryption as there might be other malicious websites that mimic this. For example, there might be another similar domain name with exact website.
What to do?
The best advice is not to do online banking or exchange sensitive data while using public Wi-Fi. Even websites encrypted with HTTPS might not be safe. For those who regularly use the network need to invest in VPN. Remember to check the domain name with special characters that mimic original websites.
About the Author: Brooke M. Perry is an ardent technician associated with Qresolve remote computer support with wide experience of fixing issues with PCs, laptops, tablets and smartphones. With a strong track record of devising effective ways of internet security and system security, she has so far helped thousands of users across the globe. Her writings on tech issues are the reflection of her in-depth interest and command she carries as a laptop support technician. Her blogs and articles have been rated high for their lucid style and easy to understand language.