Many places such as coffee shops, hotels, airports, libraries, etc. provide public Wi-Fi networks that allow you to connect to the Internet quickly and easily. As useful as these networks are, anyone can use them, and the data transmitted over them is not as secure as Wi-Fi available at home or at work. Therefore, when connecting to these networks, you should take certain precautions to ensure that your personal information is protected and to avoid exposing yourself to electronic vulnerabilities.
Here are some tips that you can follow to protect your data when connected to public Wi-Fi networks:
1- Check the reliability of the network:
Suppose you are at the airport, open the list of available Wi-Fi networks, and see a network called (Free Airport Wi-Fi), you will immediately connect to it, thinking that it is the official network used by the airport. But how do you determine that the Internet is provided by the airport? It could be a network set up by scammers to trick people into thinking it's from the airport, use that and then steal their details; For this reason, it is important to check the reliability of the network before connecting it.
This can sometimes be difficult when there is a long list of free networks with similar names, but most airports put up signs with the names of their official free Wi-Fi networks, as do many other public places that bear their official name. grid view. , which helps you make sure you're connected to the correct network.
2- Avoid entering sensitive information:
Many public Wi-Fi networks require you to enter some information before you can use it, such as your IP address. B. Your email address or phone number. If you suspect that a site with WiFi is storing or using your information for marketing purposes, please enter an alternate email address.
Some networks also require that you set a password to use them. In this case, do not use the same password for your other personal accounts. Avoid entering sensitive information such as passwords and bank details while connected to a public network.
3- Disconnect from the network after you have finished using:
If you are connected to a public Wi-Fi network, your device may automatically reconnect to that network when you return to the same place. The network can be secure, but it can change with each visit, so disconnect it from the network when you visit to stop using it and adjust your device settings so that it does not automatically join a previously used network.
4- Use a VPN:
Even if you're confident that the public Wi-Fi you're connected to is secure, you can take an extra step to protect your information by using a Virtual Private Network (VPN).
A VPN keeps your information private and secure by encrypting your data, which is useful when connecting to public Wi-Fi networks; It is not difficult for anyone to know the information you send and receive. In addition, the private network hides your IP address and geographical location, which helps protect your privacy.
5- Use of mobile data:
Connecting to the Internet via mobile data is much safer than using public WiFi. If you want to connect your computer to the Internet, you can use the hotspot on your phone, but be sure to protect it with a complex password so no one else can connect to it.