.png "Wi-Fi")
Is It Safe To Use Free Wi-Fi When You Are In Public Places?
Public Wi-Fi networks are preferred on account of the fact that they are conveniently available so a lot of user feels it is a privilege worth taking advantage of. Maybe from their point of view, it makes sense to access such a public Wi-Fi network, but are they really safe? Very few users would like to perhaps check out whether such facilities are really safe enough since they feel public Wi-Fi is widely available and so many users are using it, so where is the risk element? To speak the truth these kinds of public Wi-Fi networks are vulnerable posing some major security threats. In this article, we would like to make you aware of the risk factors of accessing a public Wi-Fi network. Read it till the end. By connecting to a public Wi-Fi network, you are exposing your data which hackers can easily intercept. So we will deal with public Wi-Fi and its risk in this article, but before that, we need to know about Wi-Fi and its plusses and minuses.
Wi-Fi is a wireless network technology that uses radio waves meant to provide wireless high-speed internet access. A lot of people tend to have a misconception about Wireless and internet connection. Some of the users even consider both as same. Wireless connect devices within a limited range while the Internet is used to connect devices across the world by using servers, routers, etc. If you are interested in knowing the advantages of Wi-Fi then it must be highlighted that Wi-Fi is cheaper, they are easy to expand, can be considered pretty flexible, they are easier to install when compared to wired network, etc.
Are Public Wi-Fi Networks Safe? What You Need To Know
It has some disadvantages, too. You might have coverage issues, as some buildings may stop you from getting consistent Wi-Fi coverage. Its range is limited, which is a major weakness of Wi-Fi. It needs troubleshooting and regular maintenance. The most concerning factor is security. It is not secured enough. It is vulnerable and may be exposed to attacks from people who are not authorized.
See there are plenty of risks involved in public Wi-Fi. For instance, malware and ransomware can affect public Wi-Fi networks leading to breaches of your sensitive data or compromising your device. So this is something you can ill afford. There are other risks too. Since public Wi-Fi networks are never fully secure you are in a way playing with fire by using it, as you are indirectly inviting hackers to access your device. Hackers can also listen to your online activities when you are on Public Wi-Fi and gather information about your credit card numbers, passwords, or any other information that you would like to keep under wraps.
Is it Safe to Use Public WiFi? If so, What Precautions Should You...
Further, Hackers are smart enough to place themselves between your device and the public Wi-Fi network, thereby stealing all confidential information from you or intercepting your data. So, you are likely to fall into the trap, or at least there is a potential risk of exposing your data and other sensitive information by accessing public Wi-Fi.
.png "wifi-image")
DNS Spoofing or Domain Name Spoofing is a method employed to redirect people to fake websites rather than letting them visit the one they want to. Since these sites look like the original or genuine ones, users enter all confidential data into such fraudulent websites so their detail gets exposed or their sensitive information is stolen away and is being used by unauthorized people and they take advantage of it.
Another way of fooling people is trapping them by Packet Sniffing. This method works by detecting and assessing packet data sent over a network. Hackers use packet sniffing tools to steal data considered sensitive. These tools are used to monitor and capture unencrypted data transmitted over the network.
So now it's up to the concern user to figure out whether they want to take the risk by accessing public Wi - Fi network. There are although certain measures you can take in case you are using a public Wi-Fi network mentioned below for your safety. Always make sure you are using two-factor authentication in your device and account to strengthen security. Use a Virtual Private Network known as VPN in short. What VPN does is that it encrypts your data so hackers find it difficult to intercept. Updating your browser, software and device's operating system regularly is another effective measures worth taking. Never put you sensitive information like credit card accounts or online banking etc when on public Wi - Fi. It is wise idea to disable file sharing and also use a fireball to protect your device from unauthorized access. Always report suspicious activity and keep monitoring your accounts.
The Prime Minister Wi-Fi Access Network Interface (PM-WANI) scheme, launched by the government earlier this year, provides free Wi-Fi in public places nationwide. This is helpful as it let citizens access the internet while traveling.The Government of India has provided this facility to improve connectivity or coverage of internet for the citizen with the pure intention of serving the people. We as a user must be more conscious and alert and avoid walking into the trap of unauthorized people who are looking to exploit us by taking advantage of it. To a great degree the onus is on us to use a secured network or at least check out how secure a network is !
Is connecting to public Wi-Fi truly safe? Because user get free of cost service and by putting device to auto connect mode one can easily access public Wi - Fi, lot of users loves accessing public Wi - Fi network. You find such Wi - Fi everywhere be it coffee shop, railway station or any other public place like airports etc. There is a temptation and tendency to access such public Wi - Fi keeping aside all our concern since it is available so easily. If you go by a report that claimed people of Bengaluru lost Rs 845 crore to cyber criminals in the first six months of 2024. Debit card frauds cases were reported to be 1485 alone of the 9260 cases. Most of the victims have opined that they have used public Wi - Fi be it in hotel or any other public place where it was made available before making online transaction.
This surely tells a story. We must learn lesson from such incident before we became the next victim of hackers. We can brush things under the carpet thinking that it will not strike us and we are safe on public Wi- Fi network, but we are taking a huge risk in that event. Is public Wi - Fi network truly safe? The answer is a big no.Then why people still prefers to use them. The temptation to use public Wi - Fi arises because it is easily available in most public places. In some places it becomes extremely important , especially if you are stuck in a place with poor network connectivity. What do you do then apart from using public Wi - Fi? Remember any open network which is not your home network comes under the purview of Public Wi - Fi network.
If you are using iPhone it is comparatively safer than Android on public Wi - Fi. Apple uses a robust security control so it has an upper hand in this regard. Even then fully secured environment is never available while accessing public Wi - Fi network. Using Virtual Private Network (VPN ) could be another step that will keep you relatively safe while accessing public Wi - Fi. The reason being VPN creates or establish a private tunnel which is encrypted so data sent or received via it is safer or more secured. Certain other measures must be taken mentioned earlier in this article. Still 100 percent or foolproof security can never be guaranteed in public Wi - Fi network, no matter how vigilant you are.
.png "wifi")
If you happen to use public Wi-Fi and the provider is TATA Telecommunications, Vodafone, or Airtel, they are considered credible. However, avoid making online payments or making any transactions on Public Wi-Fi platforms. Also, avoid clicking on any pop-up advertisements. It is considered wiser not to use public Wi-Fi at all unless you get subjected to an emergency situation. However, avoid all online transactions on it.
Conclusion
No doubt owing to the convenience and easy availability or free-of-cost service lot of users never mind using Public Wi-Fi networks. What they fail to spot is that they may prefer accessing such a public Wi-Fi network, but it poses many threats. It is recommended that in case you are left with no option but to go for such a public Wi-Fi network then take the steps suggested in this article to minimize the risk, but as stated earlier 100 percent safety is never possible on such a public Wi-Fi network. From our end, we made a sincere effort to protect people from getting caught in the web of hackers by publishing this article. Our intention is to spread awareness when you are on such public Wi-Fi. Hope the message has been loud and clear. Avoid using public Wi-Fi or even if you decide to use such a public network then never make any online transactions and follow the suggestion or steps suggested in this article.
Read Also:
- Six Types of Password Hacking Attacks and How to Prevent it.
- What is the significance of GPS? GPS Tracking System Used in Various Countries.
- Google Tracks You Even If You Turn Off Location History?
- Major Apple Security: FaceTime Bug Allows Anyone To Spy On You
- The 6 Most Important Points for Protecting Your Online Reputation
- Easy Way to Transfer Data from iPhone-iOS to Android Smartphone 2023
- Why Do Parents and School Authorities Oppose Social Networking Sites
- What Exactly is A Navigation System? Types of Navigation Systems
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.png)
.png)
.jpg)
.png)
No comments:
Post a Comment
Please do not enter any spam link in the comment box.