You’re at your favorite local coffee shop and everybody else around you is on their laptop or Internet-connected device. Have you thought about protecting your personal information before you order that mocha latte? While there are advantages accessing a free wireless connection, there are inherent dangers that come with the ability to browse and make purchases through a public Internet connection. Public wifi security in most public wifi hotspots such as airports, hotels, and cafes is non-existent. If you are going to enjoy the convenience of accessing public wifi, protection needs to be a priority.
Why Public Wifi Users Are A Target
While many banks and other locations where security is an obvious concern have made efforts to secure or encrypt their wireless Internet connections, the same isn’t true for many coffee shops, cafes, and other popular gathering spots. The main reason why public wifi users are a target is because the same customers hanging out at places with public wifi happen to be the same demographics frequently targeted by criminals. Individuals targeting these users also happen to be well aware that places like banks, financial institutions, and upscale restaurants are likely to be secure so they scope out wifi hotspots not likely to be all that secure.
How Vulnerable Are You?
All it takes is someone with a keen eye to spot you at a cafe while you intently look at your screen. With a little casual over-the-shoulder peeking, a thief can tell that you are on a site where you are likely to make a purchase involving the need to provide your credit card number or other personal information. Criminals preying on public wifi users are more savvy than you might think. It is often very difficult or impossible to track who took your information until you notice issues with your bank account. Even then, the criminal has likely moved on to other targets by the time you get wise to their scheme. Vulnerable information includes:
• Credit card numbers
• Passwords
• Social network logins
• Bank account information
• Social Security numbers and other identifying numbers
Encryption Is the Key To Security
You can’t rely on public wifi hotspots to protect your personal information. Even though you may be perfectly safe accessing a public wife nine times out of ten, it’s that one time that you have to prepare for. The key to security at wifi hotspots is OpenVPN SSL based encryption layers, which is a type of encryption that covers all tunneled connections. What this means for you is that your data is always encrypted. Even if a criminal accesses your data, they won’t be able to decipher it. Additional security precautions you should consider include:
• Turning off sharing to prevent others from accessing the info on your laptop or device
• Getting a virtual private network (VPN), which routes traffic through a secure network
• Changing your laptop or smartphone settings to prevent automatic wifi connections
• Keeping track of passwords by using a password manager such as KeePass or LastPass
Mobile Security an Increasing Concern
It wasn’t that long ago that most people in wifi hotspots brought their laptops with them. Today, smartphones and other mobile devices are just as prevalent as laptops once were at cafes and coffee shops. Such devices are also susceptible to criminals looking to quickly capture any information you may store on your device. This often includes contact lists, which could give a thief information on other possible targets such as email addresses and phone numbers. The key to securing mobile devices is to use passwords as much as possible and be careful with the info you access in public.
In Conclusion
Protecting yourself at public wifi hotspots is all about common sense. Regardless of how safe you feel, you should never check your email or log into social networks at a wifi hotspot since it takes very little effort for a keen criminal to get your password info. The same goes for your bank account and financial accounts such as PayPal. Be alert and shield your screen from prying eyes as much as possible. There is nothing wrong with enjoying the benefits of public wifi, as long as you make security a top priority too.
Sarah Hendricks who is a security expert on protecting users and businesses from hackers and data leakage. Users in the office, at home, or working remotely are all subject to attack. Sarah has teamed up with mobile antivirus software leader NQ Mobile security to keep mobile devices protected nation wide!
Filed under: Dangerous Lee University, Featured Press, Health and Lifestyle
