Is your safety assured when using public Wi-Fi? Here’s what you should understand right away?

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How to Stay Safe on Public Wi-Fi: Tips and Best Practices

Is it really safe to connect to public Wi-Fi? Let’s delve into this subject thoroughly

Public Wi-Fi networks are popular for their convenience, providing free access and often automatically connecting devices. However, these networks pose significant security and privacy threats, particularly when they are open.

Using public Wi-Fi offers a significant advantage by reducing expenses, as it removes the necessity for a home Wi-Fi or wireless router. Moreover, in households with several devices like tablets and smartphones, the savings can be even greater when utilizing a mesh system.

The Prime Minister Wi-Fi Access Network Interface (PM-WANI) initiative, introduced by the government earlier this year, seeks to offer free Wi-Fi in public areas across the country. So, public wi-fi has become quite common.

While it undoubtedly offers several advantages, it also presents a number of drawbacks that can lead to considerable issues for customers overall.

In August of this year, a report indicated that residents of Bengaluru fell victim to cyber criminals, resulting in a loss of Rs 845 crore during the first half of 2024.

Among the incidents reported, debit and credit card fraud emerged as the most prevalent, comprising 1,485 out of a total of 9,260 cases. The majority of victims indicated that they connected to Wi-Fi in hotels, lounges, and various public areas prior to conducting online transactions.

Accessing public Wi-Fi typically does not require any verification. When a Wi-Fi connection is secured with a password, the establishment or individual usually shares that password openly. This approach simplifies the login process for users, allowing them to connect their devices to the network effortlessly.

Public Wi-Fi networks offer convenience to legitimate users, but they also present an attractive opportunity for hackers who can access them without authentication. This lack of security enables these malicious actors to breach your device, potentially extracting sensitive information for their benefit.

Hackers may intercept login credentials, passwords, financial information, and even access details for various online platforms, including social media accounts.

Utilizing VPNs is among the most effective methods to reduce the risks associated with public Wi-Fi. VPNs create a secure and encrypted pathway for data transmission to and from the device.

In the realm of smartphone security, iOS distinctly outperforms Android.

Apple implements more comprehensive security measures. Nevertheless, owning an iPhone or any iOS device does not ensure complete protection from potential threats.

Identifying unsecured public Wi-Fi networks can be crucial for maintaining your online security. Here are several indicators to help recognize such networks:

Connection does not require a password
Absence of HTTPS encryption
No implementation of WPA2 or WPA3 encryption*
Multiple networks with similar names may indicate a potential rogue hotspot.

It is advisable to refrain from using public Wi-Fi except in cases of emergency, which may include work-related situations. However, it is important to avoid conducting online transactions during such instances.

When utilizing public Wi-Fi, it is prudent to verify the provider. For instance, TATA Telecommunications is often regarded as a reliable public Wi-Fi option, while Airtel and Vodafone also stand out as trustworthy network providers.

It is advisable to utilize established networks, such as those provided by Starbucks, whenever feasible. These Wi-Fi connections tend to be more trustworthy, as the businesses and individuals managing them are already benefiting financially from your patronage.

Exercise caution when considering the registration for public Wi-Fi access, especially if you are required to provide numerous personal details, such as your email address or phone number.