This holiday season, you may be tempted to connect to free, public Wi-Fi networks. However, saving data and being able to download that app you've been craving can be expensive. They don't have to be safe Wi-Fi networks, and you need to be aware of the risks you're taking, which are enormous.
Public Wi-Fis, as you may know, are those that allow us to connect without a password. Since they do not encrypt the information transmitted on them, they are not secure. In fact, if the network is not configured properly, a hacker can intercept all the traffic that circulates through it and redirect it wherever he wants. In this way, even if you think you are browsing the website you have accessed, this may not be the case and you may be on one that appears to be the same, but has been modified.
So now, when you see the typical 'Free Wi-Fi' sign in instagram data a bar, hotel, or shop, be careful. You can connect to it, but you should be aware of the dangers involved, and what you can and cannot do.
Recommendations when connecting to a public Wi-Fi
The fact that we can connect means that other people can do so too. Therefore, we do not have control over what is being transmitted and we do not know which users are also connected. To browse safely on a public Wi-Fi network, the Office of Internet Security (OSI) recommends:
Avoid connecting to open wireless networks whenever possible.
If you do, access with WPA or WPA2 security. Open networks with WEP security are completely insecure.
Check that we have the antivirus installed correctly and the equipment properly updated.
Do not log in (username/password) to any service, such as accessing online banking, while connected to these open networks. You should also not make banking transactions, make online purchases or any other action that involves the exchange of private data.
Do not download any type of software when connected to this type of Wi-Fi.
Disable any synchronization processes that we have activated on our devices.
When we disconnect, delete all network data stored by our devices.
And if the main recommendation is to avoid connecting to these open networks whenever possible, what alternatives do we have? Well, the solution is to get a portable WiFI router . These are devices that work in the same way as the WiFi access point we have at home, but with the advantage of being able to always carry it in our pocket. In this way, we can enjoy an Internet connection whenever we want, wherever we are.