Techies Line Wi-Fi networks have been one of the most practical innovations in recent decades. Thanks to Wi-Fi, we can quickly and easily access the Internet without the need for an Ethernet network cable. We can also connect to any device that does this. We use them today as laptops, smartphones, tablets, and more recently, to join the IoT devices. However, public Wi-Fi networks pose a threat to your security and privacy if you don’t take proper action. Would you like to know what dangers Wi-Fi networks hide and how to prevent them from browsing safely?
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What is Public Wi-Fi?
We are sure that many of you at some point have connected and are still connecting to public Wi-Fi networks in a bar, restaurant, train station, and bus stop, and even in hotels. Public Wi-Fi is a wireless network which is open and does not require authentication to enter.
However, Wi-Fi networks are public and have a corporate portal for the authentication of various clients, but with dangers lurking. Similarly, cybercriminals, who “eavesdrop” could capture any information and even “in the fly manipulate.”
Public Wi-Fi is so popular because they allow us to save MB on our data rate. Also, we usually do this, especially when we are on vacation or at work abroad. And they are a perfect alternative to the mobile broadband network because it is free. We do not have to be aware of the data and data rate they bring us.
The typical actions carried out by the users of this type of network are browsing social networks, searching for messages, checking emails, and checking our bank account. Some activities can be hazardous for our security and privacy, e.g., Ex. B. Visiting email or bank account through these types of Wi-Fi wireless networks.
Risks for the Wi-Fi User
The most significant vulnerability in public Wi-Fi networks is that a potential cybercriminal could use a Man in the Middle (MitM) attack to capture all Internet traffic. Even all the information you send to the Internet, in the changing operations can. have it steal information, get your passwords, and even inject malware into your computer for full control. This type of attack involves the cybercriminal getting in the “middle” of the communication between the client and the Wi-Fi access point to capture and change what he wants.
Of course, it is highly recommended never to leave shared folders on our PC without a password. That is, with public access, since a cybercriminal can use the wireless network to send you malware. Therefore, you must be very careful and use firewalls on your PC.
How to Stay Safe on Public Wi-Fi
One of the best ways to ensure that we surf the Internet on a public Wi-Fi network with security and privacy guarantees is to use a virtual private network, also known as a VPN. A VPN protects all communications leaving the PC and entering the PC. All the data traffic is routed through the VPN server to ensure that all tunnel data traffic is fully encrypted and authenticated. In this way, a cybercriminal cannot read anything, and no data is changed. Since the VPN recognizes that it’s been an error in the integrity of data and does not accept”changes” made.
Internally, a VPN on a PC routes data traffic directly to the VPN server. We subsequently access the Internet through the public IP address of the VPN server. And not straight through the Internet connection of the general Wi-Fi network provider. Which guarantees that no one can spy on our communication or even modify it. However, not all VPNs are configured equally. There are better VPNs that ensure good data encryption, while other VPNs can lead to security issues like DNS leaks, weakening the extra security you get from using them.
We recommend checking out our full VPN Surfshark review, which will give you all the details on one of the best VPNs to rent.
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