Is public wifi safe?

Here are some of the most common risks users face when connecting to public wifi:

If you’re working or browsing the internet in a public setting, a hacker can plant malware on your device through a compromised internet connection. Common types of malware include:

• Viruses: This is a specific type of malware that inserts its code into other programs and self-replicates to take over a device and the user’s information.
  
  
• Worms: This type of malware can replicate without human interaction and spread from one device to another, potentially infecting every device on a shared network.
  
  
• Trojan horses: Typically implemented through phishing scams, a Trojan horse is a type of malicious software designed to damage or steal information on a device.
  
  
• Ransomware: This type of malware allows the hacker to gain control of your device and hold your valuable information hostage until a ransom is paid.
  
  
• Adware: This type of malware is used to overwhelm your device with pop-up ads in an attempt to get you to download malicious software. 

When you connect to a secure connection, the data that gets sent back and forth is encrypted using a secure key. This means that anyone trying to access your information would need the key to read it. Unfortunately, many public wifi security features don’t offer any type of encryption. Which means anyone within range can intercept information you send or receive over the connection. If the wrong person were to gain access, it could put you at risk for a cyber-attack. 

Is hotel wifi safe? While hotel wifi is a nice feature to have during your travels, it can lack the adequate public wifi security measures needed to keep your information safe.

Hotel guest wifi is typically available to the public, meaning anyone nearby can connect. Unfortunately, this also means hackers can easily access the network and monitor any traffic going through the internet.

The security measures each hotel implements on their wifi will differ. As a result, you should take certain precautions when connecting. Avoid logging into any personal accounts with sensitive information and limit your browsing to finding local restaurants or entertainment.

• Viruses: This is a specific type of malware that inserts its code into other programs and self-replicates to take over a device and the user’s information.
  
  
• Worms: This type of malware can replicate without human interaction and spread from one device to another, potentially infecting every device on a shared network.
  
  
• Trojan horses: Typically implemented through phishing scams, a Trojan horse is a type of malicious software designed to damage or steal information on a device.
  
  
• Ransomware: This type of malware allows the hacker to gain control of your device and hold your valuable information hostage until a ransom is paid.
  
  
• Adware: This type of malware is used to overwhelm your device with pop-up ads in an attempt to get you to download malicious software. 

Is airport wifi safe? Whether you’re waiting to catch a red-eye or stuck at a long layover, trying to connect to airport wifi can put you at risk.

Scammers are constantly looking for opportune moments to take advantage of tired or distracted travelers who aren’t paying close attention to which network they connect to. Common methods hackers use to steal your information through airport wifi are:

• Evil twin: Evil twin networks are fake networks created by hackers. These networks often have names resembling names to authentic connections. Watch for random capitalization, numbers or special characters. For example, airportwifi vs airportwifi3. Check with an official airport employee to see what networks are legitimate and available to you before connecting.
  
  
• Honeypot: These networks are often listed with names such as, Free_Wifi or InternetFree. These networks will often push your internet activity directly into a hacker’s hands. If you’re not asked to agree to terms and conditions before logging on to a network, this could be a sign that you’re not using a legitimate wifi connection.
  
  
• Pop-ups: Be cautious of any pop-ups asking you to update software while on airport wifi as they’re likely phishing scams trying to get you to download malware. Decline any pop-ups while on public wifi to help protect your devices from malicious hackers. 

A VPN works by granting you access to a private and anonymous network that helps keep your online activity and data confidential. VPNs use encryption to make your data unreadable as it travels across a public network, making it difficult for hackers to decipher. Using a VPN when connecting to public wifi can help safeguard your information and is an important security measure to take, especially if you’re using the internet to share sensitive data.

Here are some best practices to follow for safely using public wifi:

• Always assume a public wifi connection isn’t secure. If you need to use it, avoid accessing any personal or financial information.
  
  
• Check to see if a website is encrypted before sending any personal information. How can you recognize an unsecure wireless network? An encrypted website will have a URL starting with https.
  
  
• Your browser may alert you when you’re about to visit a suspicious site. Don’t ignore these warning and stay off unfamiliar websites.
  
  
• Install browser add-ons that will force the browser to use encryption on websites that usually don’t. However, please note these add-ons won’t protect you on every site.

Some internet service providers like Cox offer thousands, even millions, of hotspots around the country. Cox even allows you to protect up to five devices on your internet plan with free Cox Security Suite Plus powered by McAfee®, so you can connect with added peace of mind. Next time you’re in a public setting and want to connect to wifi, check to see if your service provider has any hotspots available.