Public Wi-Fi is now offered almost everywhere, and most people make use of it on regular basis. As good as this sounds, there is just one huge problem – it is just not safe. Because public Wi-Fi is an open network, it can be hacked by anyone, enabling them to get into your device with ease. Once they are in, getting them out is difficult. Therefore, it is better to be prepared before things get out of hand. Here are some tips that will allow you to use public Wi-Fi safely.
Use VPNs
VPNs can be of help when you want to use public Wi-Fi safely. They have the ability to switch your IP to a different server which is located at an entirely different location. This hides all of your activity from prying eyes, keeping you safe and secure. The best part about this tool is that it is available in abundance. You can easily find a free VPN proxy on the web through a simple Google search. This means that you will not have to pay anything and still will be able to enjoy public Wi-Fi without the fear of being hacked.
Turn Sharing Off
When you connect to a new network, Windows usually asks you what kind of network it is. You are given three options: Home, Work, or Public. If you choose Home or Work, then the sharing would automatically be turned on as Windows assumes that you will be sharing data with someone else. This setting is recommended if you are in your home or at work. However, if you are using public Wi-Fi, then this setting could prove to be quite costly. Allowed sharing means that anyone can sneak a file into your device, and hackers will do just that. They will sneak in a malware that would keep tabs on almost all of your digital activities. This is why you should always use the Public Network option when using public Wi-Fi or turn sharing off from the network setting manually.
Turn On Firewalls
Most people turn firewalls off to access certain data on their devices, and then they forget to turn it back on. However, you should not do this; you must always know when your firewall is turned on or off. Firewalls are incredibly helpful and can save you from a whole lot of trouble.
Turn Off Auto-Connect
Do not leave your Wi-Fi search on because then your device will connect to any hotspot that is available nearby. That may sound like a great deal, but it really is not. Hackers are always on the lookout for easy targets, and they bait them with free hotspots. It is advised that you turn your Wi-Fi connectivity off when you are not using the internet.
Difficult to Guess Passwords
Many people believe that making their passwords simple and easy will help them remember them, but please do not do that. Because if they are easier for you, then they are easier for hackers to guess. “Incorrect” or “Password” are the most used passwords in the world which just goes to show how simple people really are. Hackers, on the other hand, are not simple and will do everything in their power to sneak in your personal devices. Thus, to ensure your personal safety, it is recommended that you put a difficult password that is hopefully impossible to guess.
