Cybersecurity. Why are free Wi-Fi networks dangerous and how can you use them safely?

Today, every cafe, hotel or large shopping center has free Wi-Fi points. They are actively used by most owners of mobile gadgets equipped with the function of connecting to the wireless Internet. But is it safe to surf the Internet over public Wi-Fi networks? Security experts argue that open networks pose a serious threat to any user who does not follow the simplest security rules when using the Internet.

Dangers waiting for the user in public Wi-Fi networks

As a rule, communication channels in open networks are not protected by encryption, it means that user connections are not separated from each other and all information in them is transmitted openly. Therefore, the main danger of public networks is the ability to freely intercept and analyze the traffic of any user. Users working in such networks very often log into important accounts (bank website, social networks, payment systems, etc.) and openly work in them, which can lead to the interception of logins and passwords by attackers and account hacking.

One of the main dangers when using free open networks is the deliberate infection of the device with malware through automatic redirection to malicious pages or phishing sites. As a result, important information (logins, passwords, text files) is stolen from the device.

Another danger of interacting with open networks is that a user can mistakenly log into a fake twin network. Such networks are created by fraudsters in real open networks and are used to steal sensitive data. As a rule, their names are very similar to real ones. In most cases, the device automatically connects to such a network, resulting in a leak of confidential information.

The next danger is account hacking. This can be done either through an infected Wi-Fi router or using special software. Attackers configure the router in such a way that the owner of the gadget goes to the twin page of a popular site and logs in. The account becomes unavailable some time after the unsuspecting victim enters the username and password.

The collection of user data through public networks has recently become threatening. The collection algorithm is simple. A user who logs into the free network is directed to a special page where he is asked to enter a phone number or log in through social networks. The owner of the network can then resell all the entered information to third parties to create digital prints of a specific user. In the future, based on the information collected, the user will be imposed on goods or services through contextual advertising in the browser.

How to use public networks safely?

You can use wireless networks if you strictly follow certain security rules.

1. Refuse authorization on the most important sites through free Wi-Fi points. To block information leaks, you should never use public networks to log into important accounts (for example, social networks, government services portal). But, if you need urgent access to an important account, then when working on a public network you must use VPN. You also need to ensure that access to the resource is carried out only via the https protocol.

2. Disable the Wi-Fi function on the device. When the function is enabled, the gadget constantly searches for wireless networks and automatically (without permission) can connect to them. Therefore, it is necessary to enable this function only when needed and not allow the device to automatically connect to the first available network.

3. Use VPN. Access to the global network should be established through a VPN if the public network allows such a connection. The encryption used in the virtual network will prevent attackers from decrypting traffic.

4. Track the encryption method used by the public network when transferring data. A secure network should use only modern, burglar-proof encryption methods. How to determine the encryption method? This is not difficult. The public network itself transmits information about the data encryption method to the device from which the connection to it is made. The user only needs to look at the list of networks, where the necessary information will be displayed.

5. Update software more often. Malicious programs infect a device or penetrate it through critical vulnerabilities. Therefore, the owner needs to configure the device to update automatically or manually update it. You can download updates yourself on the device manufacturer's website. Apps installed separately on the device also need to be updated periodically.