You can connect to free Wi-Fi networks today in many restaurants, in parks, public transport, shopping centers and even in shelters. For many Ukrainians, this is – a convenient and profitable way to access the Internet and stay in touch. However, there is always a risk when using public free Wi-Fi networks. Most access points do not have any protection. The State Service for Special Communications and Information Protection explained the dangers of using public Wi-Fi networks and how to protect your gadgets while using public Wi-Fi.
To be safe and protect your data , several rules should be followed:
- Check the network. Do not connect to unknown Wi-Fi hotspots if you do not know who is distributing the connection. If, for example, you are in a cafe, ask the employees for the name of the establishment's network. Remember that cyber crooks can create fake networks.
- Use VPN services.
- It is safer to manually connect to Wi-Fi networks every time if necessary.
- Limit the ability to connect the device automatically. This can be done in the Settings of your laptop or smartphone.
- Turn off LAN file sharing on all devices. When connected to public Wi-Fi, they can become available to attackers.
- Do not use public Wi-Fi networks to share sensitive confidential information and solve important matters. It is better to use a proven fixed network or mobile Internet.
- Use an antivirus and visit only safe sites.
- Turn off Wi-Fi when you are not using it.
< p>You can check the safety of the site according to several criteria:
- Pay attention to which protocol the site uses.
- https – reliable, provides secure connection, confidentiality of information using encryption;
- http – unreliable.
- Usually, to the left of the web address, the security status of the site is indicated using special marks:
- an icon in the form of a closed lock in the address bar of the browser in most cases indicates that the connection is secure and indicates that an SSL security certificate is used;
- an exclamation mark instead of a lock indicates that the connection is not secure , and visiting such a site can be dangerous. Through it, attackers can gain access to your data or infect your device with malware. It is better to refuse to visit such a page.
- Often, malicious sites are disguised as pages of official bodies, companies, online stores, etc. Therefore, it is necessary to pay attention to the correct spelling of the name of the web page. The difference can be only one letter or character. If the content of a web resource is questionable, even if there are certain signs of security, it is better to refrain from entering any personal data on it and not to download files from there.
- Reliable sites usually have a privacy policy section on the use of user data. Don't waste your time and familiarize yourself with the information presented there.