Top tips is a weekly column where we highlight what’s trending in the tech world today and list ways to explore these trends. This week, we’re looking at four ways to secure your browsing activity when you’re using public Wi-Fi.
There’s no doubt public Wi-Fi can be a lifesaver. Let’s assume you’re abroad and need to get in touch with someone urgently, but alas, you don’t have international roaming enabled on your SIM card, and you’re unable to purchase a local SIM. This is a fairly unlikely scenario, albeit not completely improbable. But worry not; in this case, the airport’s or a local business’ Wi-Fi network will come to the rescue. Even if you’re not in a particularly difficult situation, public Wi-Fi is still quite convenient for light browsing, especially since you don’t have to use mobile data.
But here’s the catch: many public Wi-Fi networks are unsecured and unencrypted, meaning malicious actors can spy on and sometimes intercept data being transferred between the network and a connected device. This is known as a man-in-the-middle attack. It is also possible for these actors to create fake networks specifically designed to steal data. These networks, known as evil twin networks, are designed to mimic a legitimate network with the sole purpose of tricking unaware users into connecting to them. So with these risks taken into account, here are four best practices you should adopt when using a public Wi-Fi network.
1. Use a VPN
A VPN is a service that encrypts your data and hides your IP address when connected to the internet. Your browsing data is sent through a remote server hosted by the VPN provider, making it look like this server is the source of the data. VPNs are a must when you’re using public Wi-Fi as they can protect your data even if the network is compromised. However, make sure you’re using a well-known and trustworthy premium VPN service as opposed to a free VPN that might sell your data to third parties for advertising purposes. Remember, if a service is free, YOU are the product.
2. Avoid accessing sensitive information
It’s wise not to access any sensitive information unless you’re on a trusted network. When you’re connected to public Wi-Fi, stick to simple, non-sensitive tasks like light browsing, streaming videos, or even playing video games. Avoid accessing your bank account, payment portals, official government ID portals, and the like. Always assume the network might be compromised when you connect to public Wi-Fi and act accordingly, not accessing any sensitive information that can be stolen in case the connection is unsecured, even when you’re using a VPN.
3. Stick to secure websites
Regardless of the type of network connection, it is recommended that you only visit websites with SSL certificates. An SSL certificate is what enables a website to use the HTTPS protocol, encrypting the data transferred between the browser and the website. This adds another layer of security, which is extra handy, especially when you’re connected to an open network. You can tell a website has an SSL when it’s URL begins with the text “https” or the website has a lock icon indicating that it is secure. However, you cannot blindly trust these sites, either, as even phishing sites can obtain SSL certificates.
4. Make sure you only connect to known networks
Before connecting to an open network at, let’s say, a restaurant, it’s important to ensure that you are connecting to the right network. As we already touched upon earlier, evil twin networks are a thing. It’s wise to check with the restaurant staff, in this case, to confirm that you have the correct network. Never connect to a public network if you’re not sure it is legitimate.
The convenience really isn’t worth it sometimes
Most public networks, especially those offered by businesses, are encrypted and secure. However, security threats lurk everywhere, and public Wi-Fi is no different. There’s always a chance you could fall victim to data theft if you’re not careful. And while following these tips can help improve your security when using a public network, you’re never going to completely eliminate this risk. It’s true that public Wi-Fi is convenient, especially for some light browsing. However, I’d still choose peace of mind from using your own mobile data over the convenience of an open Wi-Fi network, and you might want to as well.
