The State Service for Special Communications of Ukraine has published another useful material on the topic of cybersecurity, answering the question of how safe it is to use free public Wi-Fi networks.
Today, you can connect to free Wi-Fi networks in many restaurants, parks, public transport, shopping malls, and even hideouts. Of course, for many Ukrainians, this is a convenient and profitable way to get access to the Internet and stay in touch. However, there are still risks when using public free Wi-Fi networks.
To be safe and protect your data, we recommend that you follow a few rules:
- Check network. Do not connect to unknown Wi-Fi hotspots unless you know who is sharing the connection. If, for example, you are in a cafe, ask the employees for the name of the chain of the institution. Remember that cyber scammers can create fake networks.
- Use VPN services.
- It is safer to manually connect to Wi-Fi networks each time you need to. Limit the device’s ability to connect automatically. This can be done in the settings of a laptop or smartphone.
- Turn off LAN file sharing on all devices. When connected to public Wi-Fi, they can become available to intruders.
- You can check Windows if access is enabled as follows: Control Panel – Network and Internet – Network Connections and Sharing Center – Advanced sharing settings.
- On a Mac, file sharing settings are made in the Apple menu – System Preferences – Sharing.
- Do not use public Wi-Fi networks to share sensitive confidential information and do important business. It is better to use a proven fixed network or mobile Internet.
- Use an antivirus and visit only safe sites.
- Turn off Wi-Fi when you’re not using it.
Source: State Special Communications Service
