Free Wi-Fi connectivity that you can find in public places gives us a realistic way to connect to the network without using data from our operator data plan. Sometimes it's just your computer either tablet.
However, this public Wi-Fi connection is not secure at all. Below we explain why, and how you should continue to make everything more secure and not expose your device and your data to it. hackers.
Most cafes look like they've been open offices in the 21st century. Even before there was a COVID-19 coronavirus problem, it was easy to visit any Starbucks store and stumble across a sea of users with laptops or iPads.
Now, while many try to gain some privacy in the work they do, the fact is that public Wi-Fi connections like the one they use are less secure and will expose them to other types of risks.
Why is public wifi not secure?
Free Wi-Fi connection has a hidden cost and is called security. While we like the idea of being able to roam the city that connects to public Wi-Fi access points for free, this is quite risky, since most of these networks are hidden.
To facilitate communication and avoid manipulation or surveillance, these access points usually do not require a password to connect. When you're connected, a web page appears asking you to enter an email address.
The problem with this is that the connection between your application and access point is not encrypted. Therefore, some information will be posted in plain text, which means that anyone can check your actions.
Worse, they can set up their access point and call it "Starbucks wifi". People will then connect to it without hesitation, giving the criminal easy access to all the unencrypted or relevant information about you.
What are the dangers of using free wifi?
These fake networks look real and allow you access to the Internet as you used to, but all they do is test you. Later, you will be asked to download something that looks innocent that will contain malware to take control.
Another risk is that the Wi-Fi connection you connect does not securely store the data you used when signing up. Sometimes these servers store information on an Amazon server without a password, exposing anyone to anyone.
Note that when accessing any network, the device will store that information so that you can reconnect automatically when you are in a network or come back another day.
For reliable networks such as your home or office, this is ideal. But if you do it from anywhere, this can get you wrong. A false network may impersonate another network to receive relevant information from your phone or device.
How can I make public wifi connections secure?
The answer seems obvious: to use a VPN connection.
Virtual private network (VPN) creates encrypted communications between your service and secure network server. If this sounds complicated, it really isn't. Just install a VPN app and enter your login details
Almost all VPN systems have a fast connection button that selects the nearest or fastest server and takes a few seconds to connect.
The best apps have the option of auto-connecting settings every time your phone is connected to public (unsecured) wifi, so it's protected or don't forget to enable VPN.
There are many providers and a variety of options, but you will find the complete shopping guide This year's best VPNs and our recommendations.
Two of these resources NordVPN y ExpressVPN.
Of course, the right solution can be access point providers to enable encryption for your app, but this is not as easy as it sounds. As always, the biggest security threat is the need for simplicity.
Most of these sites are informal customer areas, which means they want to get in and out quickly and carefully. Entering a password (or worse, a username and password) may not be so easy for some.
Or in some hotels, restaurants and other centers that already use Wi-Fi encryption, in many cases, the responsibility for protecting personal data falls into your hands.
One way to avoid using any website or app when using sensitive data while using public Wi-Fi connection. But since this is a drag, the most useful would be to use mobile data on your phone instead of wifi.
This is a hidden connection, and you often enable a private access point to share that Internet connection with a laptop, tablet or other self-service resource.
Finally, it should be noted that some apps will use encryption even if Wi-Fi connection is not encrypted. Banking apps are a great example, and there are also messaging apps and email services that use your specific encryption.
