Wireless LANs, available free of charge in coffee shops, airports, hotels, and many other venues, are convenient but very insecure. Although we could easily connect to these networks for a free connection, the same becomes a hunting ground for spam, hackers and other cyber vandals. In this blog post, we’ll look into the risks of public Wi-Fi, how cybercriminals take advantage of them, and ways to stay safe when connecting.
HOW HACKERS USE PUBLIC WIFI
The free connections, or the protection of which is often inadequate at best, can be used by hackers in many ways. Knowing these techniques you maintain more heightened awareness and know what risks may be out there.
1. Man-in-the-Middle, abbreviated as MITM, attacks
One of the best-known types of phishing, which is actively used by hackers to target guests using open Wi-Fi networks, is Man-in-the-Middle attack. In this type of attack, the hackers forward all internet communications intended for your device to them then they forward the messages meant for you in return. This makes it easier for them to monitor the data that you are transferring, or even extract and transfer your identity details or even alter the data that is being sent or received.
For instance, when a user logs into a site using their name and password, or when making a transaction such as through PayPal, a hacker executing a MITM attack gets this information.
2. Rogue Hotspots
Another type of deception is when hackers develop zweiare public areas for their intended victims to see, this fakes an original appearance with an intention of trapping the users. These spoof networks may take such names as “Airport_Free_WiFi” or “Cafe_Guest_WiFi” while in fact they are of the attacker.
When linked all the processes can be monitored and stakes, as well other data, can be retrieved. For that reason, you may not even realize that you are linked into a section of the swindle as it can still provide an ability to get to the Internet.
3. Packet Sniffing
Packet sniffing is by far the most common technique that hackers utilize to monitor traffic within a network. Unfortunately as it maybe observed there is a tendency for some of the wireless public networks not to be well encrypted or even not at all hence the exposure to high risks whereby attackers use packet sniffing tools and are able to have unencrypted data such as passwords, emails or even financial information.
4. Malware Injection
Through the public Wi-Fi node criminals may also install on the device a virus. They can capitalize on these openings to send nasty programs like virus, ransomware, spyware and other bad apps to the other connected devices. Once a malware gains entry into your system, it has the capability to give a hacker full control of your device, lift your data, or even lock you out of your data.
WHY USING VPN IS IMPORTANT PARTICULARLY IN PUBLIC PLACES
Ways that you can protect yourself while using a public Wi-Fi include using a Virtual Private Network (VPN). A VPN assists in protecting your internet connection and despite this hackers cannot access your details while one is on a poor connection.
How VPNs Work:
- Encryption: A VPN establishes a ‘channel’ between the computer or smartphone, and the internet in an encrypted way that none other than the sender and the receiver can decipher. Your data is safeguarded, and even if someone intercept it, he or she cannot comprehend anything since the data is encrypted.
- Hides Your IP Address: VPN helps to mask your authentic IP address meaning hackers cannot track you or follow your every move online, they also cannot determine your current location.
- Secure Connection to Remote Servers: Recall our earlier point that when you connect to a VPN, your traffic is encrypted and routing happens through secure servers – a perfect setup to discourage an attack.
Why You Should Use a VPN on Public Wi-Fi:
- Protection Against MITM Attacks: Normally, in a Man-in-the-Middle attack, the hacker will intercept your data and change it in any way that favours him/her, but since you encrypt your data, even if it is intercepted, the end product he/she receives is an encrypted message that cannot be deciphered or altered by the end receiver.
- Secures Public Networks: Wireless staggering networks of public places have no protection for your data. A VPN means all transmitted data is encrypted hence hard for hackers to get hold of the passed information.
- Peace of Mind While Traveling: Be it a coffee shop, a hotel or an airport, using a VPN makes it possible to keep ones data, credit card details and important business documents away from others.
SIMPLE TIPS FOR SECURING CONNECTIONS IN PUBLIC PLACES
1. Do Not Open Any Confidential Material
One should not access personal or company accounts which require one’s username and password, such as online banking or work-mail accounts, while connected to a public network. If you require these accounts, then make sure you have your tools secured with a VPN connection.
2. Use HTTPS Sites
Always some time prefer to use the site which starts with https rather than with http. HTTPS secures your connection between your browser and the site you’re visiting, making your interaction a bit safer. If properly configured most of the browsers in use today provide a padlock symbol in the address bar whenever you are on a secure sites.
3. There is option on the Mac computer as Disable File sharing and Airdrop
When you are online through the free join network, make sure that sharing is not on for your files. On Windows, you can cease file and printer sharing and on macOS, you can shut of Airdrop. Leaving these options open can also lead to your device being opened to unauthorized access
4. Long-Term Strategy (LTS)
It is important that the organization adopts the Two-Factor Authentication (2FA).Two-factor authentication can be therefore said to enhance security to your online accountssince you are required to enter a code either from your phone or an authentication app in addition to your password. In case the perpetrator gets hold of your password, the login credentials also include a second form of verification
5. Keep Your Software Updated
This is very important to safeguard from attacks and viruses; The software of the device and its application should always be update. Recall that hackers actively use the vulnerabilities widespread in the devices, targeting outdated software, and not applying for the known bugs. That way, every time the software is changed deterministically, you are constantly covering these flaws that make it hard for the hackers to get through
6. Turn Off Auto-Connect
Depending on the device some of them have a feature of connecting to any other available Wi-Fi connection if the one being identified in this process is not reachable. This is a very risky situation given a likelihood of getting in touch with improper hotspots without your consent. This brings us to remember that according to the settings of your device, auto-connect should always be discouraged as it would connect to a given perilous network
7. Use Antivirus Software
Public Wi-Fi means the unfathomable ubiquity of threats hence the use of Antivirus software will help in prevention of malware if injected. As much as you get an antivirus, do not just leave it there, get it installed in your computer, and ensure it updates.
8. Limit What You Share Online
One may be compelled to connect via public Wi-Fi, and in that case, one should not disclose ones identity to anyone. For instance, do not sign in your Facebook, Twitter or any profile that requires one to insert credit card number
9. Log Out of Accounts
After you are through with an account particularly when you have been using the account to browse with free Wi-Fi log out of the account. This one makes it possible for the hacker to access the account in your device when they gain control, that is why staying logged in is avoided.Types of Secure Connections.
Protect Yourself Further When Using Public Wi-Fi.
- VPN (Virtual Private Network)
Once more as highlighted above, a VPN is regarded as one of the most effective measures applied to guarantee that your information is secure when accessing public internet connection. Choose the VPN service you need from the range of companies which employ high levels of encryption.
- The protocol’s name is SSL/TLS – Secure Sockets Layer/Transport Layer Security.
SSL and TLS are means by which transmission of data can be made secure on a computer network. As pointed out earlier, HTTPS website is endowed with SSL/ TLS encryption as one of the benefits.
- SSH (Secure Shell)
SSH is a protocol that may be used for the logging into a system from a distant place. It can also be utilized for tunneling traffic and forwarding data securely in the event that you are connecting to a server while on a risky third party connection like the wirelessConnection.
- TOR (The Onion Router)
Torable is a free, open source software tool that sits between a user and the internet as an attempt to obscure all activity. Although it is slower than VPNs, it provides more anonymity which might be useful when using unguarded unpublic WI-FI.
Impact Of Using Public Wi-Fi
- Data Theft
When you access Internet using a free WiFi, people can easily get your passwords, credit card details, personal information etc. Attack methods such as packet sniffing and Man-in-the Middle are used by cyber criminals, because they can intercept data which are sent over the network in plain text. - Account Compromise
Interlopers can easily obtain your username and passwords for social networks, email or any other account if you have logged in from a public domain. This may cause identity theft, problems with finances, account takeovers, and the like. - Malware Infections
To be more precise, it is a common knowledge that public networks may often become a source of malware attacks. Attackers may enter into network weaknesses to compromise the attached equipment including smart devices with spyware, ransomware or virus that steals information or even crashes it. - Loss of Privacy
This is especially so as public networks are mostly unencrypted in a way that lets the other users on the same network spy on your activities online. This can pose problems in that personal browsing history, emails, and messages are not protected by privacy to some degree. - Financial Loss
Direct financial losses can be caused by thefts of the data related to finances on public networks. Identity theft entails monetary loss when hackers or other criminals use stolen credit card details or banks account details for purchasing items. - Business Security Breaches
Using free wireless connections and having no protection measures like the VPN in place, employees put the company information at risk of cyberattacks. This in turn can result in business data breaches, financial losses as well as compromised on intellectual property. - Identity Theft
Insecure public places are dangerous since it only takes a hacker one or two visited websites to steal personal details that can be used in impersonation. This can lead to such things as creation of fake identities, making fake loans or even other unlawful activities in your name. - Session Hijacking
When connected to the public Wi-Fi, Cybercriminals are capable of hijacking your actual sessions online (be it your email or your Facebook account). This way they can make decisions and take actions under your authority and in your name.9. Loss of Reputation
When people engage in work conversations, personal discussions, email, or any file that can be accessed in public Wi-Fi, it devastate the reputation. Private or corporate data becomes open to the public and this can create an embarrassing situation or contractural ramifications. - Legal Consequences
At times, it may result in exposure of sensitive information over the public network and this is dangerous since it creates legal issues mainly for the business that deal with customer information. As mentioned above, the impact of data breaches may lead to litigation suits or fines. - Bandwidth Abuse
Occasionally, hackers exploit the public networks through which people connect their gadgets then use the existing internet for improper purposes.
Conclusion
While it may be easy to get a connection via public Wi-Fi the benefits are outweighed by the dangers. Nevertheless, if you secure oneself with a VPN, practice all necessary safety measures such as regularly enabling an extra level of protection – the two-factor authentication, and being careful with websites that you visit, being online at a café, an airport or any public places. As I always say security begins with awareness and also the right precaution taken.
