This week we are discussing 3 ways to keep you AND your business safe when connecting to public WiFi networks. It’s common for many of us to catch up on work in coffee shops, libraries, or airports, but there are significant risks involved when doing so.
1. If you are browsing the web, always ensure that the website you are accessing is encrypted. The easiest way to do this is by checking the beginning of the web address for “https”. There should always be an “s”. If the web address begins with “http”, the website is not secure. However, if you are dealing with a secure site, any information you share with that website will be encrypted as it travels for your computer to their server. If the website is NOT secure, exit the website and avoid sharing any information.
2. If you are using public WiFi on a regular basis, it is a good idea to set up a Virtual Private Network (VPN). The purpose of a VPN is to encrypt all traffic between your computer and the internet. You can think of this as driving through a warzone in a tank. There are also VPN options available for your phone. This will encrypt any information you send through mobile apps.
3. It would be wise to disable the auto-connect function on your phone or laptop. This will prevent your phone from automatically connecting to unsecured, public WiFi networks without your knowledge. Follow the link below for instructions on how to disable this feature.
How to disable auto-connect to public WiFi on Windows, iPhone, and Android:
https://www.lifewire.com/avoid-automatic-connection-to-wifi-networks-818312
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