Today we can find public Wi-Fi networks almost anywhere. We can see them in parks, stations, airports, shopping centers… We simply pick up our mobile, search for networks and connect to one that is open or, failing that, with a password that we can get. But is this safe? The truth is that it has significant risks. In this article we are going to explain what is the main mistake that we can make when we connect to Wi-Fi in a public place.
It does not mean that you should not use these types of networks, but it is important that you take certain precautions. In addition, you can always use a VPN to encrypt the connection and thus be able to avoid computer attacks that can steal your personal data or even passwords, simply by entering a website.
Enter accounts, error in public networks
But, what is that main mistake that we can make? Simply log in and enter an Internet account. For example, accessing a bank account, social networks, making an online purchase and having to enter your data, etc. Basically, any action in which you have to share personal or bank details.
It is an error, since in this type of network all that can be exposed. A cybercriminal who has access to that Wi-Fi network could find a vulnerability to record everything you do. A way to steal your accounts, personal data and what you put on the Internet without you realizing it.
It is true that today most pages and applications have encryption, which makes it difficult for an attacker to steal information when entering public networks. But there can always be vulnerabilities and it is precisely these flaws that could seriously compromise our security on the Internet.
Therefore, our advice is to avoid logging into your accounts when browsing public Wi-Fi networks. You can always do it over mobile data or wait until you get home or a reliable network and connect there. This will avoid problems that may affect your personal information on the network.
Using a VPN, a solution
In case you have no choice but to connect to public Wi-Fi networks and you have to log into your accounts, what you can do is use a VPN. What this type of application does is encrypt the connection. Everything you send is tunnelled, so a hypothetical intruder wouldn’t be able to record what you’re doing.
There are very varied VPN programs. They are both free and paid. Whichever one you choose, it is important that you make sure that it is guaranteed. You can always look for reports on the Internet and install, on your computer or mobile, a VPN that really protects your data on the Internet.
Furthermore, a VPN can also come in handy when traveling to another country. It will allow you to connect to certain platforms or pages that are blocked. This is so, since you connect to servers that are located in another country and you will navigate as if you were there, even though you are actually thousands of kilometers away.
In short, just as you see how important it is to avoid intruders on social networks, you should also avoid connecting to public networks that may have intruders. In case you have to log into these Wi-Fi networks, you can always use a VPN and thus avoid problems that affect your privacy and security.
