Public Wi-Fi is not going anywhere, nor is there risks. I confidently used airports, cafes and hotel Wi-Fi networks for years, but only because I cling to these easy-to-protection rules.
6
Always activate your VPN
An virtual private network (VPN) creates an encrypted tunnel between your device and the Internet. Encrying your traffic prevents unauthorized parties from preventing snuping or sensitive information on your activities.
If you connect to a public Wi-Fi network, which does not have a password set or a separate type of Wi-Fi capture portal (you know the extra pages you click on, if you connect, if you connect, an a shopping mall), you are using an unsafe network.
They are generally unsafe. And while these days most of your data is protected using HTTPS (safe version of HTTP), switching on your VPN will help add some additional protection to your data.
Given that premium VPNs are usually ultra-chest for multi-year membership, it is worth keeping an easy to avoid any possible issues. Many VPN providers such as NordVPN And CyberghostOffer the app with automated connection features. Activating them ensures that your device safely connects the moment that it detects a public network. This active step significantly reduces your vulnerability, especially if you often move forward.
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5
Disable auto-connect
Your devices typically have a setting that allows automated connections to previously used or reliable networks. Despite being convenient, this feature can highlight you safety threats, especially in public places.
The idea of evil hotspots in public places is undoubtedly worrisome and dangerous. There are many examples of hackers who are wicked hotspots with familiar or trusted names, such as “airport_free” or “Starbucks_wifi,”, to automatically connect users, to potentially to provide sensitive data to sensitive data.
To prevent this, disable auto-connect feature in your Wi-Fi settings. This simple change ensures that you are aware of the efforts of each network connection, allowing you to control your safety. Regularly check your network settings to verify that the auto-connect is disabled, especially after the software update or device reset.
- Android device: The location of this setting varies due to different configurations of Android, but you are usually going Settings> Wi-Fi And looking for a togal of the name Connect automatically, Join public Wi-Fi, Auto-connect for the best networkAnd so on. Make sure it is closed.
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iPhone: This really surprises me, because I am not a full-time iPhone user (I have borrowed my daughter’s iPhone!), But there is no way to universally switch auto-connecting on the Wi-Fi network. If you want to join, you will always be indicated, whatever is, but managed Wi-Fi networks can still connect automatically (for example, xfinitywifi and other provider network). In 2025, it is a wild option from Apple that will take me to the wall.
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Still, head Settings> Wi-FiTap more (I) Next to the network name. Now, hit the switch ahead Join the autoYou will no longer join that network automatically.
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For all other networks, make sure you have ask to join Networks Set the tole Ask,
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- Windows, Mac OS, And Linux Unless you connect first, the Wi-Fi will not automatically connect to the network.
Whether your device is connected to Wi-Fi or not, take a moment to consider each Wi-Fi network connected by you.
4
Confirm the network name with employees
Try everyone’s easiest security check: Just ask someone who works there. If you are worried about a fake Wi-Fi access point, have employees confirmed that you are going to join right.
Never consider a name based on name. Taking a moment to verify can prevent potential security violations and keep your personal information safe.
3
Use “https-only mode” or “always use safe connection”
Https-only mode is one of the major browser security features that all should switch. This basically forces your browser to always use a more secure https protocol, which prevents your data from protecting the eyes.
In bad old days, people with security and privacy-minded used EFF https everywhere Extension for the protection of our data. Thankfully, modern browser now uses https by default; However, it is still worth able to enable this feature to ensure that your browser always uses it.
This feature is known by various names based on the browser you use. For example, in Google Chrome, you always need to switch to using safe connections, while in Firefox, you are looking for https-only mode.
How to enable “always use safe connection” in Google Chrome
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Navigate Settings> Privacy and Safety> Security,
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Tagge Always use safe connection,
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choose Warns you for all unsafe sites,
How to enable “always use safe connection” in Mozilla Firefox
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Go Settings> Privacy and Security,
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Scroll Security> https-only mode,
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choose Enable https-only mode in all windows.
You will find this setting in all major browsers.
2
Disable the aircraft and nearby shares
File sharing features such as the aircraft (Apple) or nearby shares (Android), with Bluetooth, are incredibly convenient when used in a reliable environment, but pose a significant risk on public Wi-Fi. Leaving these features active inadvertently can expose the nearby attackers to exploit your device open connections or weaknesses.
It is best to keep these easy-share features disable until you need them.
1
Use your phone hotspot
I am a big believer in using my smartphone hotspot instead of public Wi-Fi. This is convenient, works almost immediately, and most of the time distributes the speed of the same internet as you are trying to use the public Wi-Fi. At least, it does in the UK; Your experience will be different based on your location.
But this is not just facility. Connecting directly to the hotspots of your smartphone eliminates the risks of public Wi-Fi and maintains your communication within a private network. You can accommodate the safety protocol on your smartphone and set a strong, unique password to keep others out, and you are good to go.
The most obvious negative side to use your hotspot is that it can eat in your monthly data allowance. It is worth considering what you are doing if you use your hotspot in this way; Keep 4K movie downloads until you are at home.
