5 Things to Avoid When Using Public Wi-Fi

5 Things to Avoid When Using Public Wi-Fi

Public Wi-Fi helps us stay connected no matter where we go. It's convenient to use at a coffee shop, a neighborhood restaurant or the airport, but how safe is it? Unfortunately, cyber criminals can log in to the same free network that you do and attempt to gain access to your devices and personal information.

Here are a few key things that you need know about public Wi-Fi security and how to keep your personal information safe.

1. Watch out for phony Wi-Fi access points. Fake routers are designed to look legitimate, but hackers operate them. With this popular method, called a man-in-the-middle attack, the invader tries to get between you and your personal information that is stored on a banking website or in an email.
2. Never automatically connect to a public network. Once you're finished using one, remove the public Wi-Fi connection from your device by choosing "Forget this Network." If your device is still in the mode of actively trying to connect, a hacker may notice and create a phony access point.
3. Limit your activity while using public Wi-Fi. When you're using free Wi-Fi, it's not a good time to shop online, use social media or access your bank account or email. You'll want to avoid visiting websites that save and store your personal passwords or credit card numbers, which could inadvertently make it easy for someone to access your personal information.
4. Use secured websites or a VPN service. Generally, it's best to access secured websites that begin with https rather than http. The s in the address is an indication that the site uses a secured encryption Web protocol to protect the confidentiality of online activities or transactions. A virtual private network (VPN) also offers a connection that is encrypted and secured. VPN can help protect you from digital eavesdropping even when you're on public Wi-Fi. The fees for basic VPN services are around $10 a month.
5. Turn your smartphone into a secure personal hotspot. Most mobile phones can be turned into hotspots and support several devices at once. However, check your data plan before you try it to avoid unexpected expenses.

Keeping these tips in mind when using public Wi-Fi can help reduce the chances that your identity is stolen, as once your identity is stolen, it can be difficult to recover.

But, if you should find yourself a victim of this type of scam, ERIE's Identity Recovery coverage could provide some protection. Your local Erie Insurance agent can give you more information.