Free internet access is available on public Wi Fi hot spots, which are often frequented places like airports, coffee shops, shopping malls, restaurants and hotels. As we can see, these “hotspots” are all over the place to such an extent that people easily refer them. It can be risky to log into social media sites, read news articles or emails, view bank account statements and other activities that require a login while on public Wi-Fi systems because they are seemingly harmless. The use of public Wi-Fi for financial information or working virtually from such places as cafes, hotels and airports create security risks that are often overlooked. Without proper safety measures, cybercriminals can use the poor security standards of public Wi- Fi networks to spy, steal personal data and login credentials or even manage your online accounts.
What are the risks?
The problem of public Wi-Fi is that there are so many risks associated with these networks. Although business owners may perceive themselves as offering a vital service to their consumers, it is quite likely that the security measures used on these networks are inadequate or completely absent. Free Wi-Fi hotspots are attractive to hackers for the same reasons they are attractive to consumers: they do not require any authentication to create a network connection. This is a remarkable chance for the hacker to have unrestricted access to insecure devices within the same network.
The primary vulnerability to the security of free Wi-Fi lies in the hacker’s capacity to position themselves between the user and the access point. Instead of establishing direct communication with the wireless hotspot, you might be providing your data to the hacker, who subsequently forwards it. Within this configuration, the hacker possesses unrestricted access to all the data that you transmit over the Internet, including crucial emails, credit card details, and even authentication information for your corporate network. Once the hacker obtains that information, he can freely and leisurely get access to your systems, impersonating you.
Malicious individuals can exploit an unprotected Wi-Fi network to disseminate malware. Enabling sharing files across a network exposes your computer to the risk of the hacker effortlessly implanting malware on it. Several highly skilled hackers have successfully breached the access point itself, resulting in the emergence of a pop-up window that prompts users to upgrade to widely used software. Engaging with the window triggers the installation of the malware. With the growing use of mobile Wi-Fi, inevitably, Internet security concerns and the risks associated with public Wi-Fi would also increase. However, this does not imply that you must again avoid using free Wi-Fi and confine yourself to a desk. Most hackers primarily target vulnerable entities, and implementing a few preventive measures should effectively safeguard your information.
Man-in-the-Middle attacks
A prevalent risk on these networks is known as a Man in the Middle (MitM) attack. A Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) assault can be described as a type of interception of communication. During the process of establishing an Internet connection, a computer transmits data from point A (computer) to point B (service/website). However, vulnerabilities might arise that enable an attacker to intercept and access these transmissions, hence being able to “read” the transmitted data. Therefore, what you believed to be confidential is now no longer so.
Unsecured networks
Encryption involves encoding the communications transmitted between your computer and the wireless connection using a “secret code” to prevent unauthorized individuals from reading them without the decryption key. The majority of routers are initially provided without encryption enabled, requiring manual activation during network setup. If an IT specialist is responsible for configuring the network, encryption has likely been activated. Nevertheless, there is no foolproof method to determine if this occurrence has been place.
Dissemination of malicious software
Software vulnerabilities provide opportunities for attackers to secretly introduce malware into your machine, often without your awareness. A software vulnerability refers to a security flaw or weakness that is identified in a computer’s operating system as well as a software program. Malicious individuals can take advantage of this vulnerability by crafting code to specifically target it, and subsequently implanting malware into your device.
Surveillance and detecting odors
Wi-Fi snooping or sniffing refers to the act of intercepting and monitoring wireless network traffic. Cybercriminals can purchase specialized software packages and gadgets that aid them in intercepting Wi-Fi signals. This technique enables attackers to gain unauthorized access to all of your online activities. They can see all your visited web pages, the data you may have entered. They can also log in your credentials for accessing and even manage these accounts.
Malicious connections
These “rogue access points” trick people into connecting to a network that seems legitimate simply due to its name sounding credible. If you are at present staying in any hotel or restaurant and want to get connected with the wireless internet network of that hotel then follow these steps. Although, you think that you have selected the correct one. Instead, you unknowingly connect to a fake Wi-Fi network set up by hackers providing them the ability to gain and monitor your private information.
How to protect data on public Wi-Fi connections
Undoubtedly, the convenience of using free Wi-Fi is undeniably high. Fortunately, there are some preventive actions you may take to improve the safety of your data when using a public network. Here are some recommendations for enhancing security:
1. Use a VPN service.
Using a virtual private network (VPN) increases the safety of your connection as it encrypts your data. This ensures that your information stays hidden from everyone including hacks without going through an elaborate and unlikely decoding mechanism. However, it is important to exercise caution when utilizing a VPN while traveling: Some countries like China, Russia and Turkey have placed restrictions on this specific category of software.
2. Give priority to SSL connections.
In order to improve the safety of your connection, you can use an option in any web browser called “Always Use HTTPS” whether or not if you are using a VPN. This means that the information is transmitted securely through a web server and to the web browser. This is especially true if you are using Wi-Fi in public places to access your bank account or order online. If you see the open padlock symbol in your browser’s address bar, it means that connection is not safe and there are chances of losing personal information.
3. Disable your Wi-Fi connection.
Indeed, your comprehension is accurate! Public Wi-Fi is quite convenient since it frequently connects automatically and transmits your data whenever your device is within the range of any recognized network. Hence, it is advisable to deactivate the Wi-Fi while it is not in use.
Disabling your Wi-Fi is particularly important for your phone, as it constantly changes its location. Whenever you are close to a familiar unsecured network, such as when you are outside a café where you have previously connected to public Wi-Fi, you may immediately establish a connection to it. Enabling background app refreshing options on your phone may result in the transmission and reception of critical information, even when the device is securely stored in your pocket, potentially granting hackers unauthorized access. Enable data on the device to access crucial information, as mobile networks typically offer enhanced security.
Nevertheless, it is important to bear in mind that even with the implementation of such safety measures, there is no absolute assurance that you will never encounter a security problem. To enhance the security of your data, it is advisable to regularly update the software on your desktop, laptop, and mobile devices, diligently scan all downloaded files, and periodically conduct virus scans.