Free Wi-Fi: Why do you need to think three times before connecting to an unknown network?
Sometimes, we urgently need to go online. To do this, you can use the SIM card with the Mobile Internet connected service or Wi-Fi network. What if the "Mobile Internet" service is not connected, and is it possible to leaving the free Wi-Fi network? Of course, we will use such a service. Moreover, the speed of the Internet connection with such a connection is several times higher than when entering the worldwide web using a SIM card.
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What is terrible in open Wi-Fi networks?
Wi-Fi networks to which you can connect are public or created by your neighbors, but forgetting them to close the password. Connect to such a network is very simple. But, firstly, it is dishonest. If someone in nonsense or forgetfulness left his network open, then this does not mean that you need to connect to it. And, secondly, it is unsafe. Where is the guarantee that this network did not create an attacker?
Cybercriminals go to various tricks, in order to become the owners of your logins and passwords. Why do you think Wi-Fi network "Anna_Home" Not created by them? Of course, the risk to fall on such a connection from home is small. Few who from cybercriminals will create a Wi-Fi network in the entrance of your home. It is easier for them and easier to do it in shopping centers, cafes, city parks and other places of crowds of people.
Such networks can help cybercriminals to learn your logins and passwords in social networks, various portals and sites. With the help of fake Wi-Fi networks, attackers can find out the number of your bank cards and other important financial information.
Why do you still need to beware of open Wi-Fi networks?
In addition to theft of personal information, open Wi-Fi networks can infect the device with which you go out in the Internet viruses. Even if the network created not an attacker, but your forgetful neighbor, then a cybercrime or another neighbor with an infected device could be awarded it with a virus.
Everything is like in real life. Using messy ties - you need to be protected.
But even if your neighbor's open Wi-Fi network is not infected, and your device is protected from viruses, it does not mean that such a network should be used for their own purposes. For example, you want to view a new series of your favorite TV series or a football match, and a neighbor, which is the owner of such a network, will put a large amount of download information. It is unlikely that the speed of such a network will allow you to view the video without hanging.
Using such a network, you will divide the speed with all the device running on the network. If your neighbor uses a test PC, a laptop and other devices, and another "smart" will connect to its network, the connection speed will be minimal.
What can the attackers can steal through a fake Wi-Fi network?
On your mobile devices, with which you connect to Wi-Fi networks, you probably have family photos, correspondence with friends and work colleagues, important business information and work files. All of them are easy to "lose" using such fake networks.
But, if most of the files listed here do not have great value, then financial information (bank account access codes, card numbers and other information) must be protected additionally. And it is better to store it at all on devices that do not go into the worldwide network.
Security rules when using open Wi-Fi networks
- If you need to exit the open Wi-Fi-network networks, then with such a "reckless" act you need to follow certain rules. They will help minimize (certainly not to the end) risk associated with such a connection
- Disconnect the automatic connection to Wi-Fi. If you do this, then not only save the charge of your battery, but also protect your data from intruders. Cybercriminals for theft of your data often create fake networks, clones of well-known public networks. If you do not disable an automatic connection, your smartphone without your knowledge will connect to such networks, and the attackers quickly wash all the information you need
- In addition to theft of your data, such networks are used by marketers for "surveillance" for you. With the help of your smartphone connected to the Wi-Fi network of the shopping center, learn about your interests and will use your device to send spam offers.
- Do not use open Wi-Fi networks to access your bank data and payment details. In order to pay bills in the World Wide Web, use a secure home network or mobile Internet
- Turn on in the settings "Always use a secure connection" On important services for you. You can also include in the settings of your device. VPN. (Virtual private network). But, not all devices support this data protection.
- For Mobile browsers Google Chrome, Firefox or Opera download and install a special plugin that will ensure a safer Internet access. For example, HTTPS EVERYWHERE from Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF). Add sites in its settings using you want to protect your connection
- Install a good antivirus to your device from which you go online. Protect important information (including logins, passwords, payment details, etc.) can be using antivirus Kaspersky Internet Security
- It is important to understand what risk you go, using public Wi-Fi networks to access the Internet. But even secure networks can be used by attackers to steal your data. Therefore, you should always be on a check. Especially if you pay over the Internet purchases and manage your bank accounts
Video. DANGER OF PUBLIC WIFI NETWORKS