Public internet access can be a convenient way to stay connected while on the go, but it also comes with its own set of risks and dangers. Why? Because public Wi-Fi isn't secure. Anyone on that network with the tools and know-how can survey and capture the traffic going through there.
You check your email? They can see that you are connecting to Google. Check your bank account? They can see where you bank, and can even see your username and password hash. Unfortunately, not everyone stops with just observing. According to Katherine Haan, "an estimated 40% of respondents had their information compromised while using public Wi-Fi."
An estimated 40% of users on public Wi-Fi have had their information and data compromised. -Katherine Haan, Forbes
Types of Attacks:
Here are just three of the possible problems you could face:
Man-in-the-Middle Attacks (MitM): Because public Wi-Fi networks are typically open, it's an easy thing for a hacker to intercept the communication between your device and the websites you visit on the network. Hackers with the know-how can even intercept sensitive information, like passwords and credit card details.
Phishing Attacks: A type of MitM attack, cybercriminals may set up fake Wi-Fi networks with names similar to legitimate ones in order to trick users into connecting to it. Once there, the bad actors can easily send out phishing emails, intercept usernames and passwords, text and email conversations, and, well, pretty much anything they want.
Malware and Viruses: Many public networks allow for file transfers, meaning that an attacker can upload malware (often in the form of Trojans).
"Some ingenious hackers have even managed to hack the connection point itself, causing a pop-up window to appear during the connection process offering an upgrade to a piece of popular software. Clicking the window installs the malware." -Kaspersky
In short, using a public Wi-Fi network can often give attackers unrestricted access to your accounts and information.
Solutions
So what do you do? Well, the obvious answer is to stay off of public Wi-Fi: don't check your bank account, don't log in to your social media, and be sure to turn Wi-Fi off on your phone. Remember, if your device isn't connected to the network, then no one can connect to your device.
If you must connect, however, there are a few precautions you can take.
Verify: Make sure you're on the right network. Ask an employee what the official network name is so you can avoid falling prey to an imposter.
Avoid Sensitive Transactions: While it is still possible for an attacker to gain access to your phone or laptop and pivot into your sensitive information, it's a lot easier for them if you're actively sending the information over the internet. So, to help avoid sensitive information being stolen, don't do anything involving that information.
Use a VPN: A virtual private network (VPN) is your own private encryption service. It creates a kind of "tunnel" through which all your information travels. Anyone with nefarious interests can still see your device traffic, but they can't read it. An email address of charles@charlesmartinjr.com is easy to read. On the other hand... f9eecebf114bbd5b2e4efb6da18220338707bf5a1e95dc4b00bab9dea6278c7d ...is not so easy to figure out
Keeping Phone Data Safe
Keeping your phone data safe can be tough, especially when you're out in public. And I get it, because it's easy to just pull out your phone and scroll Instagram while you're waiting for your latte. But you have to ask yourself: is it worth it?
While I can't answer that for you, I know in my case, it isn't. I like my security too much to risk it. So the next time you're out shopping or sitting in a coffee shop be mindful of your surroundings when reaching for your phone in public places. Prioritize security over convenience to safeguard your personal information. Next time you feel the urge to use your phone while shopping or at a café, take a moment to assess the risks involved. Your security is more important than checking out your friend's latest selfie.
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