Reasons To Avoid Using Public Wi-Fi Networks
Accessing the internet everywhere you go has never been easier. With complete accessibility to any information and website you could possibly need, logging in to any account at any time on any network may be tempting. But if you’re not careful about where and how you use the internet, you could put yourself at risk of scams, malware, and data theft.
This is especially true if you use public Wi-Fi networks. The next time you take yourself on a coffee date to work on your blog, make sure you’re protecting your log-ins and other sensitive data. Learn what kinds of threats you might face and how to browse safely with these reasons to avoid using public Wi-Fi networks.
You Don’t Know Who’s in Control
If you decide to work at your favorite coffee shop for the day, you can probably assume that the manager or someone else in the business owns the network you’re working on. But that isn’t always the case—especially if you connect to public networks with strange names or in areas you’ve never been before.
There’s no way to know who really controls the public networks you’re on, which means there’s no way of knowing what kinds of activity and threats exist on those networks. Taking advantage of public Wi-Fi networks is one of the most common ways for hackers to gather personal information on unsuspecting users. By avoiding public unprotected networks, you can avoid online tracking and keep yourself and your data safe.
Hackers Have Easy Access
One of the biggest reasons to avoid public Wi-Fi networks is that they’re easier for hackers to break into. This means cyberattacks are much more common on public networks than on private networks. A big example of this is man-in-the-middle attacks. With this type of attack, third parties can easily eavesdrop on communications and intercept any data you enter into any website.
Online Profiling and Identity Theft
Through tracking, intercepting communications, or simple online searching, malicious third parties can gather a lot of information about you when you’re on a public network. In addition to tracking your online activity and potentially intercepting account information, hackers can uncover location data from your device and use your browsing activity to learn general information about you, such as what you do for a living or your marital status. All this information helps nefarious parties put together a profile on you that they can then use to commit identity theft.
Tips for Safe Browsing Wherever You Go
The best way to stay safe when you’re using mobile devices is to connect to private networks. You can also use a VPN (virtual private network) to keep your data and communications secure wherever you go. If you do use public Wi-Fi, avoid accessing any sites that require you to enter sensitive information—including business log-ins or banking websites. When you’re smart about when and how you browse, you can protect your information no matter where you are.
