In contemporary times using the Internet has become an essential activity for a variety of reasons. No matter which place or occasion, the use of the Internet has become unavoidable because online marketing is not possible without access to wi-fi. It is used for downloading or uploading documents, sending emails, making video calls, and managing applications.
Public wi-fi allows you to do work or surf the Internet in such places as restaurants, shopping malls, parks, and even airports. However, it is essential to understand the risks involved in relying on public networks. Hackers are out there in public places to get access to your PC and steal vital data.
Most public Internet connections are insecure; hence you need to adopt preventive measures to secure your data and PC while using public wi-fi. The Following are the pivotal tips to help in protecting the security of your PC.
1. Use a VPN
Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a viable option to use public networks on your PC. VPN offers you a highly protective and secure way to keep your information safe from hackers. You can install a free VPN for your Pc to protect it from safety hazards. A great benefit of having a VPN is that it will show a different physical location camouflaging your IP with its IP address. Moreover, it will serve as a medium to function as a tunnel between the customer and the server.
2. Examine Network before Connecting to PC
Hackers play hefty tricks to hack your PC, so you need to sift through the network to avoid a mishap. You should identify the name of the network and verify whether its link is legitimate or not. Moreover, you should ask an employee the IP address before proceeding to use the web. These steps prove conducive to save your PC from threats of hackers.
3. Connect with Network of Your Choice
In most public places, you will find more than one wi-fi network available to connect with your PC. You should not engage the device to any system but choose the one that you like to connect with. Many configurations automatically associate with your PC, which may result in an untoward situation.
4. Enable HTTPS on your browser
In case you are unable to find VPN, the best substitute to protect your data is to use encrypted sites. It will offer a reliable means to deal with security perils emanating from the use of public wi-fi. HTTP will not leak the data you submit to a website because the connection between the browser and the server is immune from intruding. You can identify an encrypted site with a padlock symbol found at the outset of the site address.
5. Enable Firewall
You can halt the access of the hackers to your external system by enabling the firewall. Though the firewall does not ensure complete security, it must be allowed to evade security risks. Firewall constraints malicious data to keep your device protected from security dangers. The Firewall instantly blocks detrimental data upon its identification.
6. Install an anti-malware Program
An anti-malware plays a vital role in the detection of a malicious virus that gets into your Pc via the use of shared networks. It will activate security warnings when any improper action or a malicious security attack abuses your device entering through public wi-fi.
7. Factor Authentication
To avoid any security threats, use a two-way authentication process while using shared networks. It will help you keep your account safe even if a hacker manages to get your username and password. Moreover, use any network after extensive scrutiny.
8. Turn on Wi-Fi only when You Need to Use a Network
You should open wi-fi only when you need to use the Internet to determine a specific shared network because auto-connecting networks benefit hackers to access your device. You can protect your information on Pc by turning off the wi-fi and disabling the auto-connect option.
9. Don’t log in to your bank account
Public networks are insecure, so it is better to avoid online shopping, using credit cards, and accessing bank accounts on public wi-fi. No matter how secure a shared network may do not take the risk of sensitive browsing. It may have very harmful outcomes.
10. Update software on Secure Network
Software updates on shared networks will prove critical for the security of your data on PC. Patch your devices on a secure home network to avoid scamps. Therefore, to overcome security risks, you should escape updating software on shared systems.
Using public wi-fi is undoubtedly a great advantage, but the integrity of your data is more important than anything else. Hence, you should act upon the ways listed above to protect your devices while using shared networks.
