Why connecting to public Wi-Fi is dangerous

These types of networks represent a risk for users, but there are ways to take care of yourself.

Public WiFi networks offer many positive aspects because they allow you to save data, mobility and a quick solution for a moment of consultation or sending a message. But the list of disadvantages is even bigger.

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A Wi-Fi from a store or belonging to the authorities is not a danger by itself, but the problem lies in the low level of privacy and security that it gives the user.

The network is the Internet access channel where all the data that the person puts on the device travels and reaches an application, page and so on. All this is exposed when using these types of connections because it is not known who can access that information or take control.

These types of networks represent a risk for users, but there are ways to take care of yourself.
These types of networks represent a risk for users, but there are ways to take care of yourself.

This type of Wi-Fi is often used for various types of cyber attacks, because they offer many tools to criminals.

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The ways to steal information are:

– MitM: the offender is located in the middle of the connection of the user and the network to take, read and modify the information that transits there.

– Download data: It is similar to the previous one, but the difference is that the attacker has the possibility of analyzing and filtering sensitive information.

– Download malware: Leaving aside the data, the criminal focuses on distributing a virus that allows them to control the device in the future and steal data.

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These types of networks represent a risk for users, but there are ways to take care of yourself.

How to avoid these risks

Using this type of network is functional in several situations, for example, being on a trip and this being the only connection possibility to search for a location or send a message to meet someone. So it is convenient to find solutions to take advantage of this Wifi without putting the data and security of the device at risk.

The first recommendation is to never access applications or pages that require personal information, such as banks, e-commerce or social networks in which the session is not previously open. By entering a password or credit card number, these will be revealed to a potential attacker. So it is not good to make digital purchases either.

Another way to take care of yourself is by checking the quality of the public network, which is encrypted and is not open because they are insecure. This can be verified when connecting and going to the Wifi properties, there should be a section that says ‘Security type’ which should indicate that it is WPA or WPA2which will guarantee that it is a secure connection.

Another important check is that the page to be accessed starts with ‘https’ and preferably have a lock symbol on the left side. If you do not have this, it is better to avoid any connection because it will not be a secure site.

Finally, one way to protect your phone or computer is to keep it updated so that your security system has all the necessary patches to protect yourself from potential attacks and choose to have a VPN installed, because this will allow the connection to be made privately and protect the data.

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