When you’re in a coffee shop, hotel lobby, or airport lounge, connecting to public WiFi can expose you to risks like data breaches, hacking, and fraud. To help you stay safe online, the UAE’s Cyber Security Council has provided some important tips for protecting your personal information while using public WiFi.
1. Avoid Accessing Sensitive Information Public WiFi networks are often not secure, which means hackers can easily intercept the data sent between your device and the network. To minimize risk, steer clear of logging into sensitive accounts, such as online banking, shopping sites, or email, while on public networks. Save these activities for more secure, private connections.
2. Use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is one of the best ways to ensure your privacy and security on public WiFi. A VPN encrypts your internet connection, making it nearly impossible for hackers to access your data, even on an unsecured network. Always connect to a trustworthy VPN before browsing on public WiFi.
3. Turn Off Sharing Settings When you’re connected to a public network, make sure to turn off file sharing and other sharing options on your device. This will help prevent unauthorized users from accessing your files or information. Also, ensure that your device’s firewall is enabled for an extra layer of protection.
4. Use Secure Websites (HTTPS) Always check that the websites you visit use HTTPS (the “S” stands for secure). Look for a padlock symbol next to the website’s URL in your browser. This encryption helps protect your data from being intercepted during transmission. Avoid entering any sensitive information on websites that are not secure (HTTP).
5. Forget the Network After Use Once you’re finished using public WiFi, disconnect from the network and make your device “forget” it. This step prevents your device from automatically reconnecting to the same network the next time you are in range, reducing the risk of unknowingly connecting to malicious networks in the future.
Conclusion: Stay Safe Online While public WiFi can be convenient, it’s essential to take precautions to protect your personal information.
