Stay Safe on Public Wi-Fi

Free public Wi-Fi is convenient, but is it worth the risk? Before you join, it is important to understand public Internet threats and how to protect yourself.

The Dangers Within Public Wi-Fi

One of the main threats to users when connecting to public wi-fi connections is the lack of encryption for sensitive data. You should avoid accessing identifiable information such as emails, phone numbers, social security numbers, banking information, business data, and or addresses.

These unsecured networks allow hackers to insert themselves between the user and the network. This is called a man-in-the-middle attack (MITM). The hack can intercept your data when the device relays information through the public network.

How to Keep Your Information Safe

Public wi-fi connections are generally seen as a way to reduce data usage, but they unfortunately can produce a significant data risk. Here are a few ways you can protect your information:

• Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) This enables you to create a secure connection between your devide and the internet. VPNs are the safest option for you to conduct personal and business activities on public networks.

• Wireless Settings Check your device to see if it is auto-connecting to public wi-fi networks. If this happens, disable auto-connection in your device's system settings.

• Software Updates To help prevent corruption on your device, patch and system updates should be installed immediately. This will help ensure the device is equipped with the right safeguards. Security issues often present themselves when software updates are not installed.

Understanding the risks of public Wi-Fi can help you make smarter security choices. If you’ve recently used a public network and notice suspicious activity, reach out to or stop by your local Frandsen Bank for support and guidance.