According to a study by the cyber security company Kaspersky, consumers’ data is vulnerable when using public Wi-Fi.When on vacation or business, people frequently utilize public WiFi at cafes, airports, and other locations. These frequent occurrences call for caution to guarantee the security and protection of personal data, despite the ease and seeming need of remaining connected.
When connecting to these unconstrained networks, it’s critical to understand security considerations. Scammers occasionally hack into or fabricate real WiFi networks. To fool consumers into connecting, they could use names that seem similar to those of genuine networks. Email addresses, bank account information, and social media login credentials are examples of personal data that can be misused or intercepted once connected.
Notwithstanding these worries, users can take proactive measures to safeguard themselves and guarantee the security of their data. Experts from Kaspersky have developed a set of safe guidelines for using unrestricted networks so users can securely traverse potential threats.
Because of the possible security risks associated with public Wi-Fi networks, they have advised utilizing them only when absolutely essential. Additionally, they advise against use public Wi-Fi for digital financial transactions (such as banking apps).
The possibility of intercepting sensitive data is greatly decreased by this procedure. Although using a VPN on public Wi-Fi can help protect your online privacy, not all VPNs offer the same level of protection and anonymity.Current VPNs protect online activities from illegal access, encrypt data, and don’t significantly slow down internet connection, so they can be used continuously.
A user can assure a somewhat secure browsing experience on public Wi-Fi networks by utilizing a trustworthy VPN and adhering to these instructions. In addition to encrypting data, some all-inclusive security systems include defense against phishing and other online threats.Additionally, Cabinet Division Haidar Abbas, DG of the National Cyber Emergency Response Team (NCERT), has provided some safety tips that should be kept in mind when utilizing public Wi-Fi.
In order to prevent unwanted access, he encouraged users to keep the Windows Firewall activated. To provide an additional layer of security, he also suggested updating your antivirus software and turning on Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) whenever it is feasible.
It’s also advised to maintain operating systems and applications updated with the newest security updates. Additionally helpful are encrypted web browsers like Tor and browsers like Brave, Firefox, and others that have built-in privacy features. Another option for users is to use a safe search engine that doesn’t gather personal data, like DuckDuckGo.
