Assume I don't visit suspicious websites and i don't start any exe files or download any files from untrusted sources , some.people said it's more susceptible to internet attack or being hacked using free or open WiFi so what should I do or pay special attention to when using my laptop computer outside at mcdonalds or airports free WiFi thanls
is there any security concern when using free or open wifi
- Thread starter brannsiu
- Start date
Solution
glamdringfh
Dignified
- Dec 23, 2013
- 2,993
- 1
- 14,960
Hi brannsiu,
You are more vulnerable while using free Wi-Fi because someone can take control of the wifi router or set up a man-in-the-middle attack to gather lots of information from your web browsing.
Here are some of the best things you can do to protect yourself while using free Wi-Fi hotspots:
1) Use a VPN. Personal VPNs create a secure connection between the device and the VPN provider’s Internet gateway which cannot be listened in on.
2) Use secure websites. Don’t transmit any personal or sensitive data, such as social security numbers or credit card numbers, over any URL that is not secure. Look for websites with URLs that start with “https,” which ensures that the communications between your device and the website’s server is encrypted.
3) Keep security software up to date. One of the biggest risks of using a public hotspot is being attacked from the unknown computers sharing the unsecured network. Firewall software, along with antivirus, antiphishing, antimalware, and antispyware software, should be regularly updated.
You are more vulnerable while using free Wi-Fi because someone can take control of the wifi router or set up a man-in-the-middle attack to gather lots of information from your web browsing.
Here are some of the best things you can do to protect yourself while using free Wi-Fi hotspots:
1) Use a VPN. Personal VPNs create a secure connection between the device and the VPN provider’s Internet gateway which cannot be listened in on.
2) Use secure websites. Don’t transmit any personal or sensitive data, such as social security numbers or credit card numbers, over any URL that is not secure. Look for websites with URLs that start with “https,” which ensures that the communications between your device and the website’s server is encrypted.
3) Keep security software up to date. One of the biggest risks of using a public hotspot is being attacked from the unknown computers sharing the unsecured network. Firewall software, along with antivirus, antiphishing, antimalware, and antispyware software, should be regularly updated.
hi, someone could take control of the wifi router or set up a man-in-the-middle attack??
I don't mean I am so greedy to log into the wifi offered by the individual who doesn't know how to or forgets to set a password.
For example, If I login the free wifi provided by starbucks or mcdonalds. Did you mean only starbucks / mcdonalds manager or staff or someone who can access their router could play his tricks on the router or do you mean anyone around is possible to attack?
glamdringfh
Dignified
- Dec 23, 2013
- 2,993
- 1
- 14,960
Yes, someone could hijack a public router (or just the signal to your specific computer) and inject bad things, as well as monitor your useage. Anyone connected to the wireless hub would be possible to attack if the security was comprimised.
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