7 Do's Before Connecting To a Public WIFI!

[Halucinator]

Hello and Welcome everyone! This is my fourth take. I just started writing this month and I loved writing them so here I am! This take basically focuses on safety measures when you're using free/public wifi. So let's start:

You’re doing your shopping at the local mall or you’ve just checked into a hotel. There's a public Wi-Fi and you need to get online. You could use your data allowance, but it could be that you’re about to reach the limit. Or you might be in a location with poor network.Using public Wi-Fi seems to be the only answer in these cases. But is it safe? If you think that it is, then maybe this would change your mind.

1) Keep your phone's OS up to date

So your number one saviour is your device's OS. It doesn't only bring cool updates and features to you but the developers fix older glitches and loopholes in it. The one which were vulnerable to cyber attack. So from now on, whenever you see a new IOS or Android update, grab it up and install it. If space is the major prob, create the space. Loss of some apps and games is less than loss of your precious data.

2) Use Anti virus tools

Being most of the effective anti viruses paid, there are also a bunch of free anti viruses and cache cleaner which are quite realiable. Before using public Wi-Fi, you should ensure that your phone has one. While it doesn't applies much to IOS(one more reason to love IOS lol) users, Android has a problem with malware.If you connect to an unsecured open Wi-Fi network, there's a risk of exposure to malware from other devices on the network. It might be accidental as well as intentional.

3) Slow WIFI is equivalent to danger

If you've logged into a public wifi and connection is slow. Even sign in page loads with a very bad speed then you're likely in danger because this means that the router has been compromised. Another explanation might be that you haven’t connected to the router at all, but to another device posing as the router. Speed may appear slow because data is being routed via the other device.So just Take care — or better still, disconnect.

4) Avoid online shopping or banking

Online banking and shopping over an unsecure, public Wi-Fi connection is unsafe. There might be tonnes of hackers waiting for you to grab your bank account information and kick your ass. So, you should only shop with companies that keep your password secure. Two best options to make yourself more secure include using your mobile data or a VPN. Make sure you are using bank's official site/app which is further encrypted.

5) Use two-factor authentication

Two Factor Authentication, also known as 2FA, two step verification or TFA (as an acronym), is an extra layer of security that is known as "multi factor authentication" that requires not only a password and username but also something that only, and only, that user has on them, i.e. a piece of information only they can retrieve (generally an OTP). This is the means by which you can be certain that you are communicating with the online service you think you’re using.

6) Disable WIFI as soon as you're done

It is the easiest and the best idea but many people ignore it. The time duration for which you're using a public wifi is directly related to the chances that your device will be attacked. Additionally, any internet connection sharing functionality — such as Windows 10 Mobile’s version of the WiFi Sense tool — should be disabled before you connect. This will save your device from hackers too.

7) Never connect to public Wi-Fi without VPN

Much of the risk in using a public Wi-Fi can be minimized with the use of a VPN. Traditionally available only for desktops and laptops, many VPN providers now produce mobile apps. These handy clients can be used to connect to a secure VPN server, thereby encrypting your traffic as it leaves your device. VPNs have many purposes from proxy avoidance to overcoming region blocking. They can also serve as speed increaser for your internet.

At last I'd like to say that

Your Safety is in Your Own Hands!

So be safe, surf internet securely

and take care

GOODBYE!

[CubsterShura]

Love this take, it's really informative and helpful especially since I look for WiFi before I look for the bathroom in ANY place lol. I'll definitely keep this in mind, thank you so much for the effort you put in writing this. Much appreciated! :)

[Halucinator]

Thank you instead!
These types of reviews encourage me to write more😊

[CubsterShura]

Aha, I can relate. You're most welcome and keep up the good work! :)

Also, thanks for MHO.

[Anonymous]

I'm on a VPN right now... for... reasons... ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)
https://i.imgur.com/JSGnpIb.gif

[Being_a_good_Indian]

We’ve all been tempted to use public Wi-Fi: it’s free, saves on your data allowance, and is always helpful in speeding up loading times.

You might love public Wi-Fi — but so do hackers.

Here are just a few ways cybercriminals can get access to your private data and potentially steal your identity and what you can do to protect yourself.

1. Man-in-the-Middle Attacks

The technological term, man-in-the-middle (MITM) is an attack whereby a third party intercepts communications between two participants. Instead of data being shared directly between server and client, that link is broken by another element. The uninvited hijacker then presents their own version of a site to display to you, adding in their own messages.

Anyone using public Wi-Fi is especially vulnerable to a MITM attack. Because the information transmitted is generally unencrypted, it’s not just the hotspot that’s public — it’s your data too. You might as well shout out your details. A compromised router can vacuum up a lot of personal material relatively simply: just getting into your emails, for instance, gives hackers access to your usernames, passwords, and private messages, and plenty more besides!

The most worrying thing is if you’re using online banking or exchanging payment details over emails or instant messaging.

What can you do? Don’t input any data if you see a notification that a site might not be genuine. Even if you’re desperate. A website’s credentials are checked using SSL/TSL certificates, so take warning messages about authenticity seriously.
Public Wi-Fi might not be encrypted, but e-commerce companies like PayPal, eBay, and Amazon employ their own encryption techniques. (In fact, most major sites that request a password use encryption.) You can check for this by looking at the URL. If it’s an HTTPS address — that additional “S” meaning “Secure” — there’s some level of encryption. A plugin like HTTPS Everywhere will force your browser into defaulting to encrypted transmissions where available.

2. Fake Wi-Fi Connections

This variation of an MITM attack is also known as the “Evil Twin”. The technique intercepts your data in transit, but bypasses any security systems a public Wi-Fi hotspot might have.

[Being_a_good_Indian]

It’s fairly easy to set up a fake access point (AP), and is well worth the effort for cybercriminals. They can use any device with internet capabilities, including a smartphone, to set up an AP with the same name as a genuine hotspot. Any transmitted data sent after joining a fake network goes via a hacker.

What can you do? Be suspicious if you see two similarly-named network connections. If they’re to an associated shop or eatery, talk to the staff there. Similarly, alert management if you’re at work and spot a fake AP.

3. Packet Sniffing

It’s an amusing name, but the actual practice of “packet sniffing” is far from a laughing matter. This method enables a hacker to acquire airborne information then analyze it at their own speed.

[Being_a_good_Indian]

Nonetheless, hackers can obtain an abundance of data then scan through it at their leisure for important information like passwords.

What can you do? Again, you need to rely on strong encryption, so we recommend a VPN. If you’re not sure about that, make sure sites requiring private information use SSL/TSL certificates (so look for HTTPS).

4. Sidejacking (Session Hijacking)

Sidejacking relies on obtaining information via packet sniffing. Instead of using that data retroactively, however, a hacker uses it on-location. Even worse, it bypasses some degrees of encryption!

Log-in details are typically sent through an encrypted network (hopefully) and verified using the account information held by the website. This then responds using cookies sent to your device. But the latter isn’t always encrypted — a hacker can hijack your session and can gain access to any private accounts you’re logged into.

[Being_a_good_Indian]

While cybercriminals can’t read your password through sidejacking, they could download malware that would obtain such data, even including Skype. Furthermore, they can get plenty of information to steal your identity. Just look at the wealth of data can be inferred from Facebook alone!

Public hotspots are especially appealing for this hack because there’s typically a high percentage of users with open sessions. The Firefox extension, Firesheep demonstrated how easily sidejacking can be accomplished, forcing Facebook and Twitter to require HTTPS when signing in.
What can you do? Again, HTTPS offers a good level of encryption, so if you really must go on sites requiring personal information, do it through this secure connection. Similarly, a VPN should combat sidejacking.

[Being_a_good_Indian]

As an added security measure, make sure you always log out when you’re leaving a hotspot, or risk letting a hacker continue to use your session. With Facebook, you can at least check the locations where you’re logged in and sign out remotely.

5. Shoulder-Surfing

This might seem obvious, but we often forget these sort of simple security measures.

Whenever using an ATM, you should check those around you, making sure no one’s peeking as you enter your PIN. It’s also a danger when it comes to public Wi-Fi. If one or more individuals are hovering around when you’re visiting private sites, stay suspicious. Don’t submit anything personal like a password. It’s a very basic scam, but one that certainly still works for hustlers and hackers.

A “shoulder surfer” might not even need to be behind you: just watching what you type can give criminals something to work with.

[Halucinator]

Lol stop now please!!😂😂😂
I'm tired of reading this🤦‍♂️

[Being_a_good_Indian]

What can you do? Be vigilant. Know who’s around you. Sometimes, a little bit of paranoia can help. If you’re not sure of those around you, don’t go on anything private.

Don’t underestimate the importance of what you’re filling out or reading either: medical information can be useful to identity thieves, for example. If it’s a document or webpage you wouldn’t want anybody else seeing, take precautions to stop that very thing from happening.

Another option is to purchase a privacy screen — which limits the amount of people who can see what’s on your screen — or indeed make one yourself!

This is one of my favorite topic of Blogging. ❤

Thanks for sharing this take.

Keep on Sharing your Knowledge on G@G.

[Being_a_good_Indian]

@Halucinator
"Lol stop now please!!
I'm tired of reading this🤦‍♂️"

Okay. Ignore this opinion. 😊

[Halucinator]

I already read it😒😒
IT WAS LONGER THAN MYTAKE😂
and I'm sorry I didn't know this were you

[Being_a_good_Indian]

It's fine bro. 😊

Stop using 😏

I immediately block the people who use it.

Great Work. 😊

👍

It is one of my favorite topic. 😊💟

[Halucinator]

I used this 😒
you don't like this😏

[Being_a_good_Indian]

You can use it if you want. 😊👍

[CactusJuice]

Nice comments, but you should explain *how* to setup and use a VPN. Many people reading your comments prolly aren't familiar. I don't recommend using free VPN service.

[Being_a_good_Indian]

@CactusJuice

Sure.
clinicwise.org/.../how-much-should-I-charge.jpg

[frozenhorizon]

HTTPS pretty much negates all of these lol, as long as you see and verify that the cert is valid. Of course a lot of noobs might totally miss that.

[frozenhorizon]

An "evil twin" that replaces the real google/facebook/bank with a clone version that looks the same but is served over http and steals the user's password would be the most serious threat probably... so yeah if you just pay attention for https then it should not be a problem.

[RolandCuthbert]

This is a good topic. I just want to add the following;

3. Slow wifi is not necessarily the equivalent of danger. You can check your speed by going to a bandwidth testing site. It should tell you if the connection speed is acceptable. Also check your wifi signal strength.

5. I don't think this is applicable. Two factor authentication is usually something we run into when you are authenticating to privileged or sensitive information. This is something normally setup by your company if you are connecting from the outside. I am setting up two-factor for a company that I consult with for remote connectivity. This isn't something home users run into unless you are advanced enough to have resources on your home network that you access externally.

7. There are free version of vpn software. You can try using cyberghost. There are other versions. But you want to use vpn software to avoid being tracked. If you are paranoid like me, you may employ several vpns. But the software hides your physical location.

[Halucinator]

Not necessarily yeah I agree but there are some chances. Why should you even take the risk? q

[frozenhorizon]

Plenty of financial apps let you use two factor authentication.

[RolandCuthbert]

@frozenhorizon Again, two-factor authentication is usually something we run into when you are authenticating to sensitive or privileged information. I would think financial information would be sensitive. But for Johnny or Jane everyday normal user, just hopping a public wifi to surf the net does not require it. I am sure there are all kinds of apps out there. And I am sure you can get two-factor for your own personal stuff by using security as a service providers. I would think two-factor would be a service they would offer.

[Halucinator]

So your bank pin isn't sensitive?

[RolandCuthbert]

I would think it is. But I wouldn't access my sites regarding my finances on a public wifi.

Wait. . . we all know what two-factor authentication is, right?

[Halucinator]

Yeah lol😬

[RolandCuthbert]

Yeah, because we were talking about jumping on public wifi.

So let's make sure we all understand what we mean when we talk about security on public wifi. You are not going to just use two-factor when you hop on public wifi. You will use it all the time. It is an investment to protect resources. It doesn't care where what your location is.

So I don't understand why it is applicable for "public wifi". I design remote access solutions that use two-factor. I will never design one that cares if you are at Starbucks, at home, or on another company's network.

If you are just talking about protecting your computer or protecting conversations coming from your machine. That's a totally different hing.

[JudgmentDay]

You forgot one: "WATCH OUT AND BEWARE WHAT YOU CLICK ON." If possible, just close the entire browser or restart the entire phone. Most of the times they use scare tactics such as claiming your device have malware and is now infected when in fact it didn't, and then tries to trick you to go to link to load and install a "fake" antivurs program which is in fact, a malware, virus or trojan that they are trying to get you to load onto your computer or phone all simply by scaring you. Other times there are false ads from links that will lie to you and say you won a reward of a big sum of money or some other popular product and try to sucker you to enter all of your personal information as soon as possible to claim that "prize" that you had supposedly "won".

These were the two that mattered most to me:

5) Use two-factor authentication

7) Never connect to public Wi-Fi without VPN

When in doubt never keep anything with critical information like personal identifiable information on your computer nor transmit any of it. If possible only use made up false fabricated personal information, so that way even it does become intercepted you know that they only have inaccurate made up names, addresses, birthdays, etc.

[HungLikeAHorsefly]

A slow WiFi connection doesn't mean the network has been compromised. It's usually a bandwidth throttling or spectrum saturation issue rather than a compromise.

Also, while it is a good idea to use VPN, it's redundant if the session your web browser or application uses is already encrypted.

[RolandCuthbert]

Or you can just be extra careful. I like using a vpn and Tor at the same time.

[HungLikeAHorsefly]

@RolandCuthbert Seems like overkill. Tor is good for anonymity, but not so much for transport security.

[Anonymous]

Indeed useful tips. When I was working abroad I often used vpn service like nova vpn,
. I have read a lot of good reviews. I was completely sure that when I used the public internet my online activities and IP address were hidden, which secured me against hacking and censorship.

[Thisperson98]

Umm, VPNs can't really increase your speed. Also if your connection to a website is encrypted then the VPN is kinda redundant.
Also, two factor authentication won't tell you if you are communicating with the right service.

[frozenhorizon]

lmao yeah this post is complete absurdity just like most tech posts here.

[frozenhorizon]

Also #3 is hilarious. The connection being slow means it's insecure? Really? lmao!

[Halucinator]

@frozenhorizon some probability is there that you're in danger
Source: Internet

[ayylamo]

Actually in some instances a VPN can improve speed. Like if youtube is experiencing a lot of traffic in your area and videos keep buffering you could connect to far away servers with less traffic using a VPN.

[Thisperson98]

@ayylamo that isn't really increasing your internet speed.

[CoffeeGirl456]

uhmmm Thank you , something I just know.. good take.

[Halucinator]

Thanks😊

[John_Doesnt]

Public wifi is a great place to download to'rrents because my isp can't track me.

[Halucinator]

tor**** fan detected😛

[Halucinator]

I said tor****

[Halucinator]

tor'rent🤦‍♂️

[Other_Tommy_Wiseau]

Thanks for the info, but that's way too much fucking work for me to just pass time in a restaurant for an hour

[Unit1]

And then there are countries, that really ban VPNs!
Avoid traveling to those countries!

[QueenofCups]

Wow. I never knew all this. Thank you!

[Halucinator]

Welcome😊

[GetMeBleach]

I'm too lazy to actually do all of this. .-.

[Halucinator]

lol
it's fine

[Solanaceae]

Good job! <3

[Halucinator]

Hey thanks😬

[Nate1941]

Helpful, thanks

[Halucinator]

You're Welcome haha

[cupidkisses]

thank you

[Halucinator]

Welcome😊
If it really helped, you can gimme some tips bout writing a take😬😛

[GayHowellMeme]

Thank you.

[Halucinator]

Anytime😊

[Anonymous]

You know what they say, safety first 😜

[walkietalkie1990]

Thanks for sharing