The Dangers of Open Wi-Fi Networks: How to Protect Your Data

Nowadays, writers, bloggers and journalists have to consider not only who their audience is, but also where their material will be read. And they are usually read on transport, and for a reader to be able to read a text between subway stops, it should not be longer than a couple of pages. But first of all, to access the content, the reader needs the Internet. In large cities, free Internet is available even in the subway, and it is no longer comfortable for a big city dweller to spend 30-40 minutes in the subway without access to the network. And in other modes of transport and public places, such as cafes, airports and shopping malls, it is easy to connect to open Wi-Fi networks. However, many users don't realize the dangers of such connections.

One of these is the risk of connecting to fake hotspots. After all, what does a passenger do when he or she arrives at the station? He or she throws the gadget into a pocket and hurries away, and few people turn off Wi-Fi before that. And attackers can set up a fake access point with a name similar to a free city network, so that all gadgets with Wi-Fi scanning enabled will automatically connect to it. The owner of such a point can collect traffic, cookies and other sensitive information from all connected devices.

We face similar risks when we connect to Wi-Fi in coffee shops or shopping centers. Connections can also come from corporate devices, and companies have always been more protective of their data and wary of public networks. Fortunately, programmers have come up with a solution - VPN for remote working. To eliminate the possibility of data being stolen or tampered with while being transmitted over public networks, they developed a technology that allows a secure connection to be established between computers in the same organization, even when they are off-site. It's like members of a secret society recognizing each other by special signs at a dinner party and finding a minute or two to whisper about their grand plans amidst all the noise.

Another of the main dangers of open Wi-Fi networks is data interception. When you connect to an open network, your traffic is easily exposed to hackers who can intercept your personal information - passwords, credit card numbers, private messages and other sensitive data. This can lead to stolen accounts, financial loss and other negative consequences.

Let's say you're sitting in a coffee shop and you want to connect to your work email account using a VPN. First, you'll need to connect to the Internet using your local (unsecured) Wi-Fi, and your computer will be assigned an IP address. Next, your computer sees a VPN server on the network and gives it a secret key. The server responds, and they establish a tunnel between them - a logical connection that looks to the outside world like a normal exchange of packets. But in fact they are exchanging encrypted messages that cannot be read, even if intercepted. When you leave the tunnel, the VPN server decrypts your traffic and releases it to the office network.

To protect your data when using open Wi-Fi networks, you need to take a number of precautions. Here are some recommendations:

Use a virtual private network (VPN for remote working). A VPN encrypts your Internet traffic and provides an extra layer of security when using open networks. It hides your real IP address and encrypts data transmitted over the network.
Update your software. Install all system and application updates to close any vulnerabilities that hackers can exploit.
Avoid sending sensitive information over open networks. Don't send passwords, credit card numbers or other sensitive information when connecting to open Wi-Fi networks.
Limit your use of open Wi-Fi networks. Prefer secure networks, such as home or corporate Wi-Fi, whenever possible. If you're unsure about the security of an open network, it's best not to connect.
Enable two-factor authentication on your online accounts. This will increase security when accessing your information over open networks. Two-factor authentication requires you to enter an additional code or confirmation to log in to your account.
Use antivirus software on your devices. Antivirus software helps protect your device from malware that can be spread over open Wi-Fi networks.

In general, using open Wi-Fi networks comes with its own risks, but by following security tips and taking precautions, you can protect your data and minimize potential threats. Remember that the security of your data is your responsibility.