I Use Public Wi-Fi Despite the Risks. Here’s How I Keep Safe

As a seasoned journalist, I've had my fair share of experiences with public Wi-Fi networks. We've all heard about the risks associated with these networks – from hacking to data theft – which might make anyone want to avoid them altogether. In theory, that's what I should do, but in practice, I still find myself logging into public Wi-Fi networks occasionally. The main reason for this is convenience, especially when I'm traveling and don't have access to my home network or a mobile hotspot.

I know I'm taking a risk by using public Wi-Fi, but I've learned to take precautions to minimize that risk. By being more cautious than your average user, I can stay safe while still enjoying the convenience of public Wi-Fi. So, how do I do it? Let me share my top tips with you.

1. Verify the Network Name and Password

Hackers often set up Wi-Fi networks with names that are very similar to the one you want to join, hoping victims will be fooled and join their insecure network instead. To avoid this, I always verify the exact network SSID (network name) and password with staff at the coffee shop or airport or wherever it is I'm connecting to public Wi-Fi before I try to connect. If staff have the information written down, I double-check my info against theirs to be safe.

2. Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN)

A VPN creates a secure encrypted virtual tunnel for my internet traffic, hiding my activity from others on the network, including hackers. This adds an extra layer of security that's essential when using public Wi-Fi networks. If you don't know where to start looking for a good VPN, I recommend checking out our selection of the best VPNs on our website.

3. Use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) on Accounts

Multi-factor authentication makes it much harder for hackers to gain unauthorized access to my accounts since logging in requires multiple points of authentication. If hackers do manage to steal my passwords and logins, MFA will block them, preventing any further damage.

I'll also avoid doing any sensitive work on the network, like logging into my bank accounts or social media accounts, that could be compromised in real time while I'm logged in. This extra precaution helps prevent any potential data breaches or financial losses.

4. Stick to Visiting HTTP Websites

To ensure the websites I'm visiting are secure on a public network, I only visit HTTPS websites with "https://" in the URL and a padlock in the address bar. This simple step helps prevent man-in-the-middle attacks and ensures that my data remains safe.

5. Disable File and Printer Sharing in Settings

Disabling this setting on my PC prevents hackers from accessing files on my device. Here's how I do it:

Open Settings and navigate to Network and Internet > Advanced network settings > Advanced sharing settings.

Toggle File and printer sharing to off. On the same page, you might also want to turn off Network discovery for an extra layer of protection against hacking.

In conclusion, using public Wi-Fi networks comes with risks, but by taking these simple precautions, I can minimize those risks and stay safe while still enjoying the convenience of public Wi-Fi. Remember, it's always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your online security!