Staying connected via the internet seems to be essential in this digital era, especially when you have a demanding schedule that requires staying online for business purposes. The best way to remain online 24x7 is hotspot connectivity. Whether you find it in a nearby café, a hotel room, at the airport or a public library, it does come to your rescue all the time irrespective of the location. Hooking on to an open source for easy internet access is definitely convenient but the threat of hackers becomes a dominating factor in such cases. Hackers are always in waiting for a vulnerable spot to hack the system of a user. Even if a particular Wi-Fi spot is secure, you still need to be alert against any potential threat.
About hacking
Various online tools and techniques are available that serve as resources to hackers. It is relatively easier for hackers to create a parallel wireless network that can easily dupe users to be an authentic source. This easily lures the user into logging on to the Wi-Fi network thinking that it is provided by the shop or café. Another technique that hackers use for online attack is by keeping an eye on your online activity after you have logged in or when you start using the connection. It becomes easy for them to intercept transmission and tamper with your device. All gadgets including your laptop, notebook, tablet and Smartphone is threatened. A hacker is on the prowl just looking for an insecure connection to tamper and steal your data. All vital and private information including, passwords, e-mail ids, contact numbers and other such details are at stake. Therefore, whenever you are shopping or carrying out banking transactions online without a secure Wi-Fi then you definitely run the risk of hotspot hacking.
Here are a few essential tips that will help you safeguard data and other vital information while surfing via a Wi-Fi network.
• Make relevant changes in your Wi-Fi connectivity on the mobile device. Set the automatic search for Wi-Fi option to manual search. This way even if you are in the range of an open Wi-Fi, your device will not initialize the connection.
• As soon as you enter a specific Hot Spot of either a café or a library, there are chances of other lookalike networks created by hackers. You need to ensure that the network provided is authentic. You should ideally check the credentials of the library, café joint or shop owner from where you intend to use the Wi-Fi.
• One thing that you should keep in mind is that while you might be asked for a password. But a mere password does not signify the connection to be a secured one. Another thing to keep in mind is that if it is not listed as 'secure' then it is better not to use it.
• A secure site has various encryption lists. Pay attention if it is WPA (Wi-Fi protected access) or WEP(Wired Equivalent Privacy). WPA is good, but WPA2 is much better.. If you are exchanging personal information online then you must ensure that the website is encrypted. This way your information is secured from hackers. It is easy to recognize an encrypted or secured website. Check the URL, it should begin with https along with the icon of lock appearing at the bottom of the web pages. This means that any information that you exchange over this network is secure.
• Before you use any network ensure that you have a software by the name of Force-TLS to secure your browsing. This also ensures that any webpage that you visit is encrypted or has encrypted features.
• Another thing to keep in mind is to keep refreshing your security suite. If your security software is up to date then avoiding online threats would be very easy. The most essential tip is to turn off your Wi-Fi access when you are not using it.
• Keep a regular check on security notifications as they might help you in alert a potential attack beforehand.
• The best way to utilize a Wi-Fi is to use your handset or your Smartphone because it is far more difficult to penetrate the secure wall of these gadgets in comparison to other gadgets.
All the above given tips will help you safely surf the net while using any Hot Spot network.
She is a Technology writer who is keen on any new emerging technology updates. She is working with Qresolve as a Technical Support Engineer. Semeli Karen McPherson has been offering online tech support to global customers for issues related to laptops, desktops, Mac and devices including iPods, tablets, iPhones, computer support and more. She caters to the segment of core technology and provides viable solutions to any issues related to technology and software. Her expertise and skills in handling key technology issues is immaculate and quick result bearing. Through her articles and postings she aims to provide knowledge and solutions to common technology issues that a user faces.
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