How to Use Public WiFi Safely

Using public Wi-Fi comes with significant risks, especially for remote and hybrid workers who often rely on these networks to stay connected while working outside the office. Public Wi-Fi networks are typically unsecured networks, making it easier for cybercriminals to capture data, access sensitive information, and launch attacks.

Using public Wi-Fi networks without proper precautions can expose users to significant cybersecurity risks, leading to financial loss, operational disruptions, and reputational damage.

In 2023, the global average cost of a data breach reached $4.45 million, marking an all-time high with a 15% increase over the last three years.

Malware increased by 358% in 2020, while ransomware increased by 435%, with a four-fold rise in the total cryptocurrency value received by ransomware addresses.

According to Aon and Pentland Analytics, the impact of a cyber attack on shareholder value can be substantial and sustained, with some companies experiencing a fall of 25% in their market value over the year following an attack.

These statistics underscore the critical importance of implementing robust cybersecurity measures when using public Wi-Fi to safeguard against potential financial, operational, and reputational repercussions.

According to IBM's 2024 Cost of a Data Breach Report, the average cost of a data breach has surged to $4.88 million, reflecting a 10% increase from the previous year. This concerning figure underscores the importance of security for public Wi-Fi and securing your connection when using public Wi-Fi.

In this blog post, we delve into practical strategies for using public Wi-Fi safely, including understanding unsecured network meaning, and offer valuable insights for businesses and employees to protect themselves against these growing threats.What

What Are The Risks of Using a Public Wi-Fi Connection?

A public Wi-Fi connection can expose your personal and sensitive data to various security risks. It's important to be aware of these risks to protect yourself when accessing the Internet in public spaces.

• Man-in-the-middle attacks: Hackers can spy on and manipulate the communication between your device and the Internet.
• Lack of encryption: Many public Wi-Fi networks do not encrypt data, making it easier for cybercriminals to access your information.
• Fake Wi-Fi networks: Hackers may set up fraudulent Wi-Fi networks that appear legitimate to trick users into connecting.
• Malware distribution: Unsecured networks can be used by attackers to spread malware onto connected devices.
• Unauthorized access: Your device becomes more vulnerable to hacking attempts when connected to public Wi-Fi.
• Data theft: Personal and financial information shared over public Wi-Fi can be easily compromised.

To minimize these risks, use a virtual private network (VPN) and avoid sensitive transactions on public Wi-Fi. Stay cautious and protect your data.

How to Protect Yourself While Using Public Wi-Fi?

To protect yourself while using public Wi-Fi, it’s essential to adopt a cautious and strategic approach. First, prioritize security for public Wi-Fi by avoiding sensitive activities on public networks, such as online banking or accessing personal accounts.

Using tools like VPNs can help secure public Wi-Fi connections and keep your data safe. Additionally, make sure your device’s security features, including firewalls and antivirus software, are always active and up to date.

It’s also important to be selective about the networks you connect to, avoiding those that seem suspicious or are an unsecured network.

Moreover, limit your online activities to secure websites that use HTTPS for added protection. Whenever possible, consider using your mobile data instead of public Wi-Fi for tasks that require higher security. By being careful and taking these precautions, you can significantly reduce the risks associated with using public Wi-Fi.

Tips For Safely Using Public Wi-Fi

Connecting to public Wi-Fi is often necessary, whether you're at a café, airport, or hotel. However, these networks are usually an unsecured network, making it easier for hackers to access your personal data. To protect yourself while staying connected, it’s important to take specific steps to secure public Wi-Fi use and safeguard your device and online activities.

Further, we will delve into practical steps to help you use public Wi-Fi safely, ensuring that your sensitive information remains protected.

By following these tips, you can enjoy the convenience of public Wi-Fi without compromising your Wi-Fi safety.

Use a VPN

Using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) is one of the most effective ways to ensure security for public Wi-Fi when connected to an open Wi-Fi network. A VPN encrypts your internet connection, making it much harder for hackers to capture or access your information.

This is particularly important on public networks, which are often unsecured and vulnerable to cyberattacks. By routing your data through a secure server, a VPN also masks your IP address, providing an additional layer of privacy.

This means that even if someone manages to access the unsecured network, they won’t be able to trace your online activities back to you. Many VPN services are easy to install and use, making them a convenient option for enhancing your Wi-Fi safety.

For anyone who frequently uses public Wi-Fi, a VPN is an essential tool for keeping your information safe.

Verify The Network

Before connecting to any public Wi-Fi, verifying the network is important to ensure you're connecting to a legitimate source. Cybercriminals often create fake networks with names similar to legitimate ones, tricking users into connecting and allowing them to steal personal information.

To avoid this, always double-check the network name with the staff at the location, whether it's a café, hotel, or airport. Ensure you're selecting the correct network and not a potentially dangerous imposter.

Additionally, avoid connecting to open Wi-Fi networks that don't require a password, as these are more likely to be an unsecured network.

By taking a moment to verify the network, you significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to a malicious Wi-Fi trap. This simple step can protect your sensitive data and provide peace of mind while using public Wi-Fi.

Use two-factor or multi-factor authentication

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) can also help you secure your accounts while using public Wi-Fi. This method requires you to provide two or more forms of verification before accessing your accounts, such as a password followed by a code sent to your phone.

Even if a hacker manages to obtain your password, they would still need the second piece of information to gain access, making it much harder for them to breach your accounts. Enabling MFA on your important accounts, like email, banking, and social media, adds an extra layer of protection.

Many services offer easy setup for MFA, typically involving an app or SMS for the additional verification step.

This approach is particularly valuable when using public Wi-Fi, where your data is more vulnerable to being accessed by unauthorized parties on an unsecured network. By requiring multiple forms of authentication, you significantly reduce the risk of unauthorized access. Ultimately, MFA is a simple yet effective measure to keep your accounts secure, even on less unsecured Wi-Fi networks.

Look for secure websites

When using public Wi-Fi, it's important to ensure you're only visiting secure websites to protect your personal information. Secure websites will have a URL that starts with "https://"—the "s" indicates the site is using encryption to protect your data.

For instance, when shopping online or logging into your bank account on an open Wi-Fi network, checking for this "https" prefix is essential. This encryption helps prevent hackers on the same public Wi-Fi or unsecured network from capturing your sensitive information, such as your passwords or payment details.

Always look for the padlock icon next to the URL, as this is another sign that the site is secure. If you notice any warnings from your browser about a website’s security certificate, it’s best to avoid that site altogether.

Sticking to secure websites, especially when entering personal information, is a practical way to keep your data safe on public Wi-Fi. This small step can make a big difference in protecting your information from potential threats on unsecured Wi-Fi networks.

Disable file sharing

Disabling file sharing is an important step to protect your device when using public Wi-Fi. When file sharing is enabled, it allows other devices on the same network to access your files, which can be a significant security risk on unsecured public networks.

Hackers can exploit this feature to gain access to your personal documents, photos, or other sensitive data.

Before connecting to public Wi-Fi, make sure to turn off file sharing in your device’s settings to prevent unauthorized access. This is especially important in places like cafes, airports, or libraries where many people are connected to the same open Wi-Fi network. Disabling file sharing is a simple but effective measure to safeguard your files and privacy. If you need to share files, it’s safer to wait until you’re on a secure, private network. By taking this precaution, you reduce the risk of exposing your data to potential threats on public Wi-Fi.

Turn off automatic connect

To better safeguard your device on public Wi-Fi, make sure to disable the automatic connect feature. This feature, if left on, allows your device to automatically connect to available networks, including unsecured public Wi-Fi, without your knowledge.

This can be risky because your device might connect to a rogue or unsecured network set up by hackers to steal your data. By disabling automatic connect, you gain control over which networks you connect to, ensuring you only join trusted and secure public Wi-Fi networks.

This is particularly important when moving through areas with multiple public Wi-Fi networks, like shopping malls or airports. Taking a moment to manually select networks helps protect your device from accidentally joining a risky open Wi-Fi network.

Additionally, turning off automatic connect can save battery life, as your device won’t constantly search for networks to join. Overall, this simple step can significantly reduce your exposure to potential security threats on public Wi-Fi.

Enable firewall

Switching on your device’s firewall is significant for safeguarding your connection when using public Wi-Fi. A firewall acts as a barrier between your device and potential threats, monitoring incoming and outgoing traffic and blocking unauthorized access.

On public Wi-Fi networks, where security for public Wi-Fi is often minimal, a firewall can help prevent hackers from accessing your system or spreading malware. Before connecting to any open Wi-Fi network or unsecured network, ensure that your firewall is turned on and properly configured. Most operating systems have built-in firewalls that are easy to activate and manage.

Maintaining an active firewall is especially important in crowded environments like coffee shops, airports, and hotels, where numerous devices share the same unsecured Wi-Fi network.

By using a firewall, you add an extra layer of defense against cyber threats, reducing the likelihood of unauthorized access to your data. This straightforward action plays a significant role in preserving your privacy and Wi-Fi safety when connected to public Wi-Fi.

Use antivirus software

Using and regularly updating antivirus software is another smart move to protect your device when using public Wi-Fi. Antivirus programs detect and block malicious software that might be hiding on unsecured networks or unsecured Wi-Fi. When you connect to public Wi-Fi, your device is exposed to threats like malware, spyware, and viruses that can steal your data.

A good antivirus program scans your device in real time, effectively stopping these threats before they cause harm.

Additionally, it’s important to keep your antivirus software updated, as new threats appear constantly. This protection becomes especially significant in places like cafes or airports, where public Wi-Fi is common.

Furthermore, antivirus software adds a critical layer of security for public Wi-Fi that makes it harder for hackers to access your system. By ensuring your device has reliable antivirus software, you significantly improve your chances of keeping your personal information safe on open Wi-Fi networks.

Enhance Your Wi-Fi Security with Keepnet

Public Wi-Fi can expose you to serious cyber risks, but Keepnet Security Awareness Training equips your team to stay secure. Keepnet offers targeted training that prepares employees to identify and counter threats commonly encountered on public networks.

With Keepnet, your organization can transform its approach to Wi-Fi safety, turning potential vulnerabilities into strengths.

Key features of Keepnet Security Awareness Training:

• Behavior-Based Training: Employees learn to respond effectively to various cyberattacks, improving their ability to handle real-world threats, including those on public networks.
• AI-Based Voice Phishing Simulation: AI-generated voices simulate attempts, helping users recognize and avoid scams that could target them on unsecured networks.
• User-Centric Training: Trusted by over 2 million users, Keepnet’s training integrates seamlessly with existing systems, fostering consistent security practices across your organization.
• Personalized Learning and Gamification: Engages employees through interactive elements such as quizzes, simulations, and real-time feedback, making the training more effective and memorable.
• Advanced Reporting: Offers detailed insights into training progress, helping to identify and address specific security vulnerabilities.
• Regulatory and Role-Based Training: Ensures compliance with regulations and tailors training to different roles within your organization.
• Custom Content Creation: Enables organizations to create tailored training materials that address unique security concerns.
• Mobile-Friendly Design: Provides security awareness training that’s accessible anytime and anywhere, ideal for remote and hybrid workers.

Keepnet provides a comprehensive approach, covering not only public Wi-Fi security but also a broad spectrum of evolving cyber threats. This ensures your organization is well-equipped to strengthen its defenses against all major security risks.

Watch the video below to see how Keepnet Security Awareness Training can boost your organization's security and help your team confidently deal with cyber threats.

Editor's Note: This blog was updated on December 11, 2024.