How to Stay Safe While Using Public Hotspots

Public hotspots are a convenient way to access the internet while on-the-go, but they also pose several security risks. In this article, I will share some tips and best practices to help you stay safe while using public hotspots.

I’m going to show you how to protect your personal and financial information from cybercriminals and reduce the risks associated with using public hotspots. So, whether you’re traveling, working remotely, or just hanging out at your favorite coffee shop, keep reading to learn how to stay safe while using public hotspots.

Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN)

A virtual private network (VPN) is a security tool that creates a secure and encrypted connection between your device and the internet. It works by routing your internet traffic through a remote server and encrypting all data that passes through the connection.

When using a public hotspot, it is important to use a VPN to protect your personal and financial information from cybercriminals. Public hotspots are often unsecured and leave your data vulnerable to interception and theft. By using a VPN, you can create a secure connection and protect your online privacy.

To choose a reliable VPN service, consider factors such as the provider’s reputation, security features, and speed. Look for a VPN service that has a strict no-logs policy, strong encryption, and a large server network. Some popular VPN services include NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and Surfshark.

Setting up a VPN connection on your device is easy and typically involves downloading a VPN app and following the setup instructions. Most VPN services offer apps for desktop and mobile devices, making it easy to connect to a VPN regardless of the device you’re using. Once you’ve set up your VPN, make sure to connect to it before accessing the internet on a public hotspot to ensure that your data is protected.

Verify the Network Before Connecting

Verifying the authenticity of a public hotspot network is crucial for staying safe when using public Wi-Fi. Here are some tips and tools to help you identify the legitimate public hotspot network and avoid fake ones:

To identify a legitimate public hotspot network, look for signs that the network is provided by a reputable company, such as a recognizable business name or logo. If you’re not sure, ask an employee at the establishment where the hotspot is located for the name of the network.

Some red flags to look out for when connecting to a public hotspot include unsecured networks, networks with generic names like “Free Wi-Fi,” and networks that require you to enter personal information before connecting. Avoid connecting to these networks as they may be malicious.

One tool you can use to verify the authenticity of a public hotspot network is a Wi-Fi analyzer app. This app allows you to see all the Wi-Fi networks in your area, including information about their signal strength, encryption, and channel. Another tool is a Virtual Private Network (VPN) app, which not only encrypts your internet traffic but also verifies the authenticity of the hotspot network you’re connecting to.

By verifying the authenticity of a public hotspot network before connecting, you can ensure that you are connecting to a legitimate network and protect your personal and financial information from cybercriminals.

Avoid Accessing Sensitive Information

When connected to a public hotspot, it is important to avoid accessing sensitive information such as your online banking, credit card, and social media accounts. Cybercriminals can easily intercept your internet traffic and steal your personal and financial information.

Additionally, it is best to avoid accessing any websites or services that require you to enter personal information, such as your home address, date of birth, or social security number. This includes online shopping sites, online forums, and other similar services.

Here are some tips to help you identify the legitimate public hotspot network and avoid fake ones:

1. Look for signs that the network is provided by a reputable company, such as a recognizable business name or logo.
2. Ask an employee at the establishment where the hotspot is located for the name of the network.
3. Avoid unsecured networks, networks with generic names like “Free Wi-Fi,” and networks that require you to enter personal information before connecting.
4. Use a Wi-Fi analyzer app to see all the Wi-Fi networks in your area, including information about their signal strength, encryption, and channel.
5. Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) app, which not only encrypts your internet traffic but also verifies the authenticity of the hotspot network you’re connecting to.

Turn Off Sharing

Sharing is a feature on your device that allows you to share files and resources with other devices on the same network. However, when using public hotspots, it is important to turn off sharing to prevent others from accessing your files and data. Here’s how to turn off sharing on your device:

On Windows:

1. Click on the Start menu and select “Settings.”
2. Click on “Network & Internet.”
3. Click on “Wi-Fi” in the left-hand menu and then click on “Change adapter options.”
4. Right-click on the network connection you’re using and select “Properties.”
5. Scroll down and uncheck the box next to “File and Printer Sharing for Microsoft Networks.”
6. Click “OK” to save your changes.

On macOS:

1. Click on the Apple menu and select “System Preferences.”
2. Click on “Sharing.”
3. Uncheck the boxes next to the sharing services you want to turn off.
4. Close the Sharing window to save your changes.

On Linux:

1. Open the terminal on your Linux device.
2. Type in “sudo nano /etc/samba/smb.conf” and press Enter to open the Samba configuration file.
3. Scroll down to the “Authentication” section and add the following line: “security = user”
4. Scroll down to the “Share Definitions” section and add the following line: “usershare owner only = true”
5. Press Ctrl+X to exit nano, and then type “y” to save your changes.
6. Type in “sudo systemctl restart smbd” to restart the Samba service and apply your changes.

On iOS:

1. Open the Settings app on your device.
2. Tap on “General” and then “AirDrop.”
3. Select “Receiving Off” to turn off AirDrop.
4. Tap on “General” and then “Personal Hotspot.”
5. Turn off the “Allow Others to Join” toggle to turn off hotspot sharing.
6. Close the Settings app to save your changes.

On Android:

1. Open the Settings app on your device.
2. Tap on “Network & internet” and then “Hotspot & tethering.”
3. Tap on “Wi-Fi hotspot” and then “Advanced.”
4. Scroll down and turn off the “Allowed devices to use hotspot” toggle.
5. Close the Settings app to save your changes.

Keep Your Device Updated

Keeping your device up to date is important when using public hotspots to ensure that your device is protected against known security vulnerabilities.

Updates often include security patches that fix known vulnerabilities, which cybercriminals can exploit to gain access to your device and steal your personal and financial information. By keeping your device up to date, you can reduce the risk of cyber attacks and ensure that your device is protected against the latest security threats.

To check for and install updates on your device:

On Windows:

1. Click on the Start menu and select “Settings.”
2. Click on “Update & Security.”
3. Click on “Check for updates” to see if there are any updates available.
4. If updates are available, click on “Download and install” to install them.

On macOS:

1. Click on the Apple menu and select “System Preferences.”
2. Click on “Software Update.”
3. Click on “Check for updates” to see if there are any updates available.
4. If updates are available, click on “Update Now” to install them.

On Linux (Debian based distrobution)

1. Open the terminal on your Linux device.
2. Type in “sudo apt update” and press Enter to update your package lists.
3. Type in “sudo apt upgrade” and press Enter to install any available updates.
4. If prompted, enter your password and press Enter to continue.
5. Wait for the updates to install, and then close the terminal.

On iOS:

1. Open the Settings app on your device.
2. Tap on “General” and then “Software Update.”
3. Tap on “Download and Install” to install any available updates.

On Android:

1. Open the Settings app on your device.
2. Tap on “System” and then “System Update.”
3. Tap on “Check for update” to see if there are any updates available.
4. If updates are available, tap on “Download and install” to install them.

By keeping your device up to date, you can ensure that your device is protected against known security vulnerabilities and reduce the risk of cyber attacks when using public hotspots.

Use Antivirus Software

Antivirus software is important when using public hotspots because it provides an extra layer of protection against cyber threats such as malware, viruses, and phishing attacks. Public hotspots are often unsecured, making it easier for cybercriminals to access and steal your personal and financial information. Antivirus software helps to detect and remove malware and viruses that may have infected your device, preventing cybercriminals from accessing your sensitive information.

Some reliable antivirus software programs that you can use when using public hotspots include Norton Antivirus, McAfee Antivirus, Kaspersky Antivirus, and Avast Antivirus. These software programs offer real-time protection against malware, phishing attacks, and other online threats and are trusted by millions of users worldwide.

By using antivirus software on your device when using public hotspots, you can ensure that your device is protected against malware and viruses, and reduce the risk of cyber attacks. Antivirus software can provide you with peace of mind, knowing that your device is secure and your personal and financial information is protected.

In Closing

In conclusion, staying safe while using public hotspots is crucial for protecting your personal and financial information from cybercriminals. By using a Virtual Private Network (VPN), verifying the network before connecting, avoiding accessing sensitive information, turning off sharing, keeping your device updated, and using antivirus software, you can reduce the risk of cyber attacks and ensure that your online activities are private and secure.

Remember, cybercriminals are always looking for new ways to access your sensitive information. By following the tips and best practices outlined in this article, you can protect yourself from cyber threats and stay safe when using public hotspots.

So, next time you’re out and about and need to connect to a public hotspot, make sure to follow these guidelines and stay vigilant. With the right tools and practices, you can enjoy the convenience of public Wi-Fi without sacrificing your security and privacy.