9 Secure Ways to Browse through Public WI-FI

People now have a trend to use Wi-Fi instead of broadband-based internet service. The number of free public Wi-Fi hotspot is increasing, but not all hotspots are safe for internet browsing especially when you are purchasing online. If you keep firewall setting at a default level for your tablets, PC, laptops will not give enough protection from hackers. Hackers can intercept your data at any moment in the absence of your awareness. Here, are some essentials, which keep you safe from online attacks and misuse of Wi-Fi, and provide considerable protection.

Sharing:

You frequently share your library files, music files or other files & folders at your own home or sometimes work as a remote user from other Wi-Fi networks. However, when you visit a public place turn off sharing on Wi-Fi otherwise anyone can steal your file and folders via a public Wi-Fi network. To disable sharing, you have to browse for the control panel and the network’s home group sharing setting.

VPN:

VPN (virtual private network) service confirms the data integrity, provides a secure background even on your public Wi-Fi and provides you with all the benefits of your private network on public Wi-Fi. A paid VPN service can enhance the level of security it protects you while connecting on an unknown network. VPN helps you to protect your private information on public Wi-Fi hotspot. You can access your information remotely even from your home in a secure environment. You can share your file for a long time with your groups. You can get the IP address of other countries with VPN services. The maintenance cost of a VPN is very low compared to other secure networks.

Automatic Connection:

Without your permission, your Wi-Fi connects to an unknown network can cause a serious security issue. Change the Wi-Fi setting in your laptop, PC, Mobile etc. otherwise, your Wi-Fi will connect to malicious networks set up to steal your private information.  If your smartphone is not showing an automatic connection setting then, you are safe. Otherwise, change smartphone Wi-Fi setting and disable the automatic connection. It saves you from prying eyes and online attacks, and your data will remain secure while connecting with Wi-Fi.

Two-Factor Verification:

Many renowned websites have started two-step authentication process in which after login to your account a sample code is sent to your mobile to verify the identity of an owner. Gmail, Twitter has started this verification process for its users for protecting their valuable information. There are two types of verification process like mobile code, and phone call. User can select any of them and confirm his or her identity. Such verification needs your mobile no. on which, a numeric code is sent or a call is made. Such a process makes your device safe and secure. For instance, in Gmail navigate Google Account Setting, and you will find the complete detail of two-step verification.

SSL Security: 

Always keep SSL security in your browser and renew such certificate before its expiry(sslmatrix.com). SSL protects your data from prying eyes and encrypts your data so that an outsider will not recognize it during data transition. The difference between secure data and unsecured data is huge, but SSL provides security to your data while travelling between the browser and the server. When you insert your login and password details on a secure website connection, your confidential information will be safe over the internet. Even Twitter, Facebook, Gmail have also opted SSL security in their respective browsers.

Network Title:

For example, when you are in a coffee shop and a Wi-Fi connection is displayed called “Free desert dollar Wi-Fi,” never respond such Wi-Fi connection it might be an illegal network or malicious network trying to steal your network. If such a situation arises then ask some employees about such unknown Wi-Fi connection. You will receive a proper answer about its authenticity. However, if there is no one around you just move away from there. You may want to move to other safe location where Wi-Fi network is legal and not malicious.

Password:

Password is the most prominent for online users. Many users keep a single password for their different online accounts that place them in a dangerous position. Because when any social media or email account or social media account gets vulnerable, all other accounts, become vulnerable. Therefore, it is advisable to keep a unique password and different password for your different social media profiles. Use a tricky password for your safety, and never keep your birth date, vehicle no, mobile no. etc. as your password. There are password manager programs like KeePass and LastPass that keep your information secret and secure.

Firewall:

Most illegal software asks to turn off your firewall during the download that makes your PC vulnerable. Firewall keeps watch over incoming and outgoing connections; it is true that it does not provide complete protection, but its presence keeps your PC in a safe condition. In Window, browse a security icon in the control panel and turn on the firewall. Firewall stops incoming malicious program and alert if any program found to be vulnerable.

Antivirus:

Keep your computer enabled with antivirus software that keeps your computer clean from Trojans, virus and other malicious programs. When a virus tried to load in your system, it provides an alert message. Antivirus is a great way to protect against the vulnerability. There are many antivirus providers like McAfee  Symantec; panda etc. provide great security against malicious programs.

Conclusion: It is understood from the above discussion that you have to be careful before connecting with Wi-Fi in public hotspots. You may never know when you will be a victim of hackers. It is good to follow the above steps that are discussed in this article for a safe and secure internet experience.