How to keep public WiFi secure

We have been using the internet for a long time, but the way we use the internet has changed in the 21st century. We are now availing internet through WiFi. Earlier we had to use Ethernet cables, which caused a lot of inconvenience. But now with WiFi, our internet use has become very affordable, many people can use the internet together now. But every technology has some pros and cons. That means we can now connect to anyone's WiFi sitting anywhere through WiFi. But if that WiFi is public, then we can get into big trouble. What kind of problem? To understand that we need to know how WiFi works.

1. Verify the connection

Before connecting to a WiFi point, you need to verify that it is the correct WiFi point. Because hackers often create fake WiFi points. If you join there by mistake, your mobile or laptop may get virus, and all your data may be lost. We can check any wifi point by seeing if it is password protected. Because, usually the points created by hackers do not have passwords, so that everyone can join easily. But this is not the case with any restaurant or cafe. They are mostly password protected. But sometimes it shows doubts about this. In that case you have to access it using VPN. If it is found that there is something wrong after logging in, then the correct point can be verified by talking to the authority first without connecting there.

2. Use encrypted/secured connections

Encrypted or secured connection means a connection through which all your information will be converted into a secret code and reach the other end. Even if someone gets hold of that information, he will not be able to decode it. Most of the websites that we use a lot already use secure connections. To verify that a website is using a secure connection, you just need to look at the website's URL. If there is a 'secured' or lock icon on the left side, then it should be understood that it is using a secure connection. If it says 'Not Secure', it means that the website is not using a secure connection. However, if you need to access such a website, you can use a 'browser extension' called 'HTTPS Everywhere'. The function of this extension is to convert a vulnerable connection to a website into an encrypted connection.

3. Use VPN or Tor Browser

Virtual Private Network is abbreviated as VPN. Its job is to hide your real IP address from others when you use the Internet and route it through a private Internet tunnel to the destination. And Tor Browser works exactly like this. The only difference is that a VPN will change your IP address once, but Tor Browser will change your IP address several times. So VPN should be used while connected to a public WiFi. Because, through public WiFi, a hacker can steal not only passwords and bank information, but also information on the phone. or can introduce a virus into the victim's device. This is especially important for mobile users, as PCs have many advantages in customizing their own security armor. But it is very limited for mobile, like 'Https Everywhere' extension is not available on mobile. So it's even more important for mobile.

4. Not sharing confidential information

Sharing your private or sensitive information while sitting on a public WiFi can be one of the big mistakes of life. Because that information can be obtained by any person. No skilled hacker is needed for that. If someone is working on public WiFi, you should take extra care to ensure that sensitive information is not indexed while on public WiFi. Also, be especially careful not to index a site's password while connected to that public WiFi. However, many popular websites, such as Facebook or Google, have secured connections. But it's still best not to share any sensitive information over public WiFi, no matter how secure the connection.

5. Limit file sharing Avoid using any file sharing applications while connected to public Wi-Fi.

As we already know, since we live in a network, there are chances of hackers stealing our information. Moreover, hackers can insert malicious files into your laptop using file sharing options. In that case, if someone is using a laptop, then go to the 'Network and Sharing Centre' and click on the 'Turn off File and Printer Sharing' option to turn off the file sharing option of the laptop. If you are a Mac user, then go to 'Air Drop' and click on the 'Allow Me to be Discovered by: No One' option and turn off the file sharing option. Then no one will be able to steal information on the laptop through file sharing.

6. Check the terms and conditions before connecting

Many of us skip this point, never reading the terms and conditions properly. But before connecting to public WiFi, especially when we have to sign up to a captive portal. You will then be prompted to take a look at the terms and conditions. Because in many cases they take permission for many objectionable things in the terms and conditions. So if those conditions can be read a little, then in many cases it is possible to be alert if there are any objectionable conditions. The protection methods mentioned here are all complementary to each other. Because, each method has its own limitations.

Therefore, to overcome the limitations of one method, another method is used. Although these security steps may be difficult for many to follow, if someone wants to sit in a cafe and use the cafe's Wi-Fi and is concerned about security, then he has no choice but to follow these steps.