If you want to conduct serious tasks on public Wi-Fi, you should avoid doing so. You can even become the victim of fraud by connecting to a fake banking website. In addition, public wi-fi hotspots can be accessed by snoopers. Here are a few ways to avoid such dangers. Also, avoid logging into your bank account while connected to a public hotspot.
Avoid doing serious tasks when connected to public Wi-Fi
Do not access sensitive personal data while connected to public Wi-Fi. Even secured networks are susceptible to hacking, so it’s best not to share sensitive data online. Also, never leave your device unattended in public spaces. This goes for shopping as well, where you need to enter your personal information and login credentials to your retailer’s website. In addition, you shouldn’t browse websites with passwords you have forgotten to change.
Avoid logging in to your bank account while using public Wi-Fi
One of the most common ways cybercriminals steal your personal information is through a public Wi-Fi connection. Hackers use techniques such as Man in the Middle or Evil Twin attacks to monitor your online banking activity and payment card information while you’re online shopping. This is why you should never log in to your bank account while on a public Wi-Fi connection. While public Wi-Fi networks appear to be safe, they are not. Cybercriminals use public networks to send malware to connected devices. Viruses and malware are downloaded through file-sharing services through the Wi-Fi network.
In addition to not logging in to your bank account while on public Wi-Fi, you should also avoid entering your banking information on your mobile device. You should always use a secure connection, which starts with “https.” This means the site is more secure. Never enter your bank account credentials over HTTP websites, since hackers are more likely to create fake versions of legitimate websites. Your browser should also warn you when a connection is insecure. If it does, just close it and wait for a few hours before trying to access your bank account.
Avoid logging in to financial or personal sites while using public Wi-Fi
Hackers can steal your credit card numbers and other sensitive information when you’re using public Wi-Fi. These cybercriminals are known as “Evil Twins” and they can intercept your online activity. This can occur when you’re online shopping or banking online. That’s why you should never use public Wi-Fi to check your bank account balance or make online purchases. While public Wi-Fi may seem private, hackers are skilled enough to download malware onto your computer via file-sharing over the network.
Using public Wi-Fi in a public place is a common mistake. Although airport Wi-Fi is free, the connection might not be secure. In that case, avoid using password-required sites. This is because hackers can capture your passwords. You should also avoid sensitive sites, like transactional sites that store credit card information. Even though they may be free, there is still a risk of your information going missing.
Avoid logging in to fake banking sites while using public Wi-Fi
If you’re a frequent user of free public Wi-Fi, you’ve probably been warned about the dangers of entering financial information on a bogus website. Many mobile phones and laptops have free WI-Fi, which makes it tempting to check your bank balance or enter personal information while on the go. However, these activities can expose you to cyber criminals, especially during busy holiday shopping seasons. While it’s easy to connect to a free WI-Fi network, using this service with your financial information could leave you vulnerable to hackers and viruses.
If you must use a public WiFi network, be aware of the risk of hackers accessing your private information. Be sure to check the URL of the website before proceeding. A fake site will have a fake version of a legitimate site, so beware. To protect yourself from fake sites, use an antivirus software to scan your computer for malware. If it detects insecure connections, don’t continue. Otherwise, your information could be stolen.
Avoid logging into any network that isn’t secure
Whenever possible, avoid logging into public Wi-Fi. It’s especially dangerous to access your personal information on a public network, even if the network looks secure. Even if the network has a lock icon and the words “secured,” it could still be vulnerable. In addition, your iPhone will prompt you with a warning when it is connected to a network without any security.
Even if it is secure, it’s not a good idea to conduct banking activities on an unsecured network. Banks use encryption to protect sensitive information, so your details are safe. But not all public wi-fi hotspots are. The higher the risk of a hacker intercepting your information, the higher the risk. If you’re going to conduct financial transactions on a public WiFi network, make sure your device is protected with a strong encryption.
