Accessing the internet from home is fairly easy and simple. On top of that, it is secure and with less traffic unless the whole house is watching shows live. 

However, it is different outside the house. You have many Wi-Fi options available outside, no matter where you go. Yet, connecting to and using those connections is not secure. Therefore, if you want to work outside, it is better to use your own hotspot so that you remain safe from scammers and hackers. 

Still, public Wi-Fi is prone to falling to hackers, which makes it necessary to take preventive measures. It is so because you don’t know who else is on the Network or what kind of security it has. Yet, if you really want to send that file, update the sheet, or do anything else regarding your home or office, you should take the following few steps to make your online visit safe and secure.

Use Known Networks

The first safety rule on our list is to be cautious when connecting to public Wi-Fi networks. It would be best if you stick to well-known networks like Starbucks or McDonald’s. These networks will be relatively safe and less prone to attacks. 

Still, no public Wi-Fi is completely safe, but known ones are much better than random public ones. If possible, don’t use public Wi-Fi that pops up anywhere, as not everyone will treat your privacy and security as safely as it needs to be. Remember, the more Wi-Fi you sign up for, the more risk to your safety. So, try to use your own mobile hotspot or use one that you know well.

Browse Withwith HTTPS

An extra level of security comes from using a secured form of browsing, i.e., HTTPS. It is a great way to secure yourself on public Wi-Fi, as no one can see the data traveling in the network between you and the server or your footprints on the internet. In addition, it greatly encrypts your data and helps you visit the web safely, even over public Wi-Fi.

On the other hand, HTTP is unencrypted, and using that will put you at greater risk. Moreover, anyone over the same network as you can snoop in to read your history, hack your device, or steal private and personal information. 

Don’t Share Private Details

When signing up for public Wi-Fi, it is important to be careful which and how much information you are putting in. If it is absolutely necessary, connect to the Wi-Fi hotspot place that you know and use alternate information and not your primary one, such as your email address. 

Some places that ask for such information use it for marketing purposes, so it is your decision whether you want to share your details for free Wi-Fi or not. However, it is preferred to give information to the one you know or are already using. 

Limit or Block File Sharing

Another thing that you should be careful about on public Wi-Fi is unrestricted file sharing or airdrop-like features. It will keep your files safe from unwanted eyes. To turn sharing settings off on a PC, head to Network and Sharing Center > Advanced Sharing Setting and then turn off sharing for files and data. On Mac Computers, go to System Preferences > Sharing > turn everything off. After that, go to Finder > Airdrop, and select No one on allowed to be discovered by option. 

Do the same for your Android and iOS devices, and no one will be able to peek into your files, let alone steal them. No matter what, keep your sharing settings off, and if need be, use a USB or file transfer tool to handle file-sharing or transfers. 

Read Through Conditions

Indeed, reading through pages of terms and conditions or policy guidelines is boring, but it might actually save you from a data breach. If you read the terms of use of Wi-Fi, it is possible you won’t understand everything, but you will know when something is off or includes detail regarding data collection.

Moreover, if you think something is wrong but you can’t understand it, a quick Google search will help you with that. While on it, you can also look for other things of concern, issues, or problems. Of course, the guidelines are important as they help protect you and the provider, but that doesn’t mean you should blindly follow them. Also, don’t install any provided add-ons, or extensions, as they might be harmful. 

Connect Via VPN

Finally, the most secure way of accessing public hotspots is through a VPN. It is the safest method as it encrypts your information and hides your details, location, and IP address. Moreover, it prevents data from traveling to and from your network.

To choose a good VPN, you can search for guides online and select one that fits your needs and network usage. Unfortunately, some VPNs are not effective for the most part, so instead of going for a free one, look for a paid VPN service that is affordable and will get the job done. After you have downloaded it, the software will take you through the whole process to set up your VPN and other basics; it is pretty simple and easy. 

Final Takeaway

Although public Wi-Fi is a big help in times of need, you cannot fully rely on them. So, it is best to stick to the one you know and use. The best way is to go for a good internet service provider and purchase their complete bundle, which also includes security for your Android TV box, which doesn’t usually have any protection. We recommend going for AT&T’s DirecTV as it has some pretty good built-in security featuresallows you to stream content securely. Go to this link to learn more, or grab yours: https://www.buytvinternetphone.com/directv/stream. 

However, the best way is to avoid using public Wi-Fi and go for a mobile plan that understands your needs and protects your online presence. Still, if you have to connect, you should follow the steps we have mentioned in this guide to enhance your security and stay out of trouble.

References:

https://www.wired.com/story/public-wifi-safety-tips/

https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-safely-use-public-wi-fi-networks

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