11.07.2022

Main / Recommendations for tourists on connecting to a public Wi-Fi network when traveling

Recommendations for tourists on connecting to a public Wi-Fi network when traveling

It’s time for vacations. Many are preparing for long-distance travel. But before you go on a trip, we want to remind you that in addition to rest, there are risks associated with the protection of your personal data.

Connecting to a Wi-Fi network while traveling is quite a useful service. Being online is useful not only for communication with loved ones and publications on social networks, but also allows you to order a taxi, food delivery, as well as to build the necessary routes. However, do not forget that connecting to a public Wi-Fi network is always a risk.

Most public access points are not protected in any way. They are installed so that visitors stay longer in cafes, shopping malls and other crowded places.

What data is at risk?

The hacker gets all the information that is transmitted through a compromised wireless network. Most of all intruders are interested in:

  • emails and chat messages;
  • files to be sent, for example, photos;
  • passwords and other confidential information;
  • login data for various services.

We recommend not connecting to public WiFi networks, but if necessary, we offer tips when using public WiFi:

  • Use services with two-factor authentication.

Thanks to two-factor authentication, access to your account can only be obtained from a trusted device.

  • Use antivirus software.

Modern antivirus solutions will help reduce the risks of infection of your device.

  • Do not trust unsolicited Wi-Fi connections.

Most often, such networks are used by attackers to steal users’ personal data.

  • Never enter sensitive data.

Always assume that a public Wi-Fi network is insecure.

  • Do not install third-party programs.

To connect to Wi-Fi, you do not need additional programs, certificates and browser extensions — all these are tricks that hackers use to gain access not only to data in the Wi-Fi network, but also to the device’s hard drive.

  • Log in or log outleave personal information only to those websites thatyou trust.

For security purposes, your entire visit to each site must be encrypted (this means that the URL starts with https) – from the moment you log in to the site until you log out. If you think you have logged into an encrypted site, but you find yourself on an unencrypted page, log out immediately.

  • Don’t stay permanently connected to accounts.

When you are done using the account, log out of it.

  • Do not use the same then the same password on different sites.

This can give someone who gets access to one of your accounts access to many of your accounts.

  • Pay attention to the warnings.

Many web browsers warn you before you visit a fraudulent website or download malware. Do not ignore these warnings. Also update your browser and security software.

  • Disable automatic connection to the nearest Wi-Fi network. This way you will have more control over when and how you use public Wi-Fi.

Additionally:

  • There are cases when a public network WiFi may contain an authorization page. As a result of connecting to the network, a window will appear with a field for entering a phone number for subsequent confirmation of a one-time password code. In such cases, the introduction of a password code, seemingly for authorization, can serve as an opportunity for an attacker to gain access to one of your services and reset the account password.

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