Tips for Safe Use of Public Wi-Fi  

Secure Wi-Fi hotspots are your safest choice when using WiFI. Look for hotspots that use WPA encryption and require a password to log-in. If you aren’t using a secure hotspot, know that your information may be at risk and be selective about the sites you visit and the information you share. Watching a video on YouTube will put you at less of a risk for id theft than logging into your bank account over an unsecured connection.

Businesses are starting to look for ways to be more secure. With Free Wi-Fi hotspots popping up everywhere from the local coffee shop to the library, and even at parks around the country the probability that employees use them is high. However the convenience of Free Wi-Fi does come with some risk.

Risk basically falls into two categories. (1) Unsecured Hotspot - A third party can eavesdrop and log passowrds. (2) A man in the middle approach where unscrupulous attackers create honeypot WiFi spots sometimes spoofing local businesses or airports to log passwords.

How do you keep yourself and your identity safe when using public Wi-Fi? 

If you aren’t using a secure hotspot:

• Choose Https Over Http- There is an easy way to tell if you are using a secure website. Look up at the web address and see if it begins with http or https. That little ‘s’ tacked onto the end means extra security for you. On many sensitive sites like Facebook and Gmail, you can choose to always have an https connection by changing your security settings. If you’re using public Wi-Fi, https is always the safest choice for sending sensitive information or logging into sites that contain your info.
• Get a One Time Log-In- Some accounts may offer a one-time password if you’re worried about security. For Facebook send ‘otp’ in a text message to 32665 from a mobile number linked to your account (you may be charged, depending on your plan). This service may be available for some of your other accounts; contact the company and ask if it’s available.
• Log Out of Accounts- When you finish using an account, log out. Staying logged into accounts when using unsecured Wi-Fi could potentially allow hackers or id thieves to access the information inside. An easy solution: stop using automatic log-ins and log yourself in and out each time you need to access an account.
• Consider a VPN- A VPN, or a virtual private network, turns an unsecured internet connection into your own private oasis. It automatically encrypts information coming in and out of your computer, providing you with identity theft protection even when you aren’t using a secure W-Fi- hotspot. A VPN is a great choice for those that regularly connect online using Wi-Fi. Check out this great article on AllClearID blog for more information about VPNs.
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• Stay Updated- Malware, viruses, and other dangers to your computer can be waiting for an unsuspecting Wi-Fi user so they can attack. Anti-virus software and the latest updates on your computer and firewall are essential. Before using an unknown Wi-Fi connection make sure your computer is up to date and if you’re prompted to install an update over a Wi-Fi connection, make sure you trust the source

Wi-Fi certainly is convenient and if you’re careful, can be a safe way to connect and share when you are on the go. Just remember the risks and be aware that the things you access might be visible to hackers and identity thieves.

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For more information check out this article from the FTC; the accompanying video has some especially great tips.

Tags: computer safety, id protection, identity theft protection, online safety

Source - Some content for AllClear ID Website