When you are out, free Wi -Fi feels like a small win. Offers coffee shops, airports and hotels like candy – just tap, connect, and you are online.
But behind this facility there is a danger world that most people never see.
Let’s talk about what happens when you go to an open network. Then we will follow how you can be safe, even if you can’t resist the free Wi -Fi mark.
Public WiFi is a reason for a reason
When a network does not ask for passwords, this is like leaving your front door open. Anyone can walk in. This includes hackers.
When you are on the public Wi -Fi, you share the same digital space with everyone. You don’t know them – and see what you do online, they do not need your permission.
Only a few tables can use easy tools like viral to “smell” the hacker network. These tools scan and capture the data sent to the Wi-Fi.
This means that your login information, email content, and browsing history can be seen all.
You can think, “I’m not doing any important work – just checking Instagram or reading the news.” But even harmless browsing can open the door.
Many apps and websites automatically log you. If a hacker captures one of these logs in the middle transit, they can use it to get into your account.
How do hackers cheat you on open networks
There are some favorite tricks to love cyber criminals on public Wi -Fi. This is how they work:
Middle attacks in humans
Imagine that you are talking to a friend, but someone sits between the two, listens quietly and even changes what is said. This is the MITM attack in humans.
The hacker prevents communication between your device and the website or the app you are using. You think you’re chatting privately, but they are watching everything.
Fake hotspot
Have you ever seen at the airport, hotel, or cafe and saw that a Wi -Fi network called “Free_arport_Vevie” or “Hotel Guest 123”?
It looks official, so you make contact twice without thinking. But the catch here is: Hackers can easily create fake Wi -Fi networks with names that look completely legitimate. This bully is known as hotspot.
When you contact someone, all your Internet activity operates through a hacker system. They can quietly see everything your online work.
This means that when you are logged in to your accounts, they can collect your username and password, access sensitive files on which you are uploading or downloading, and even slipping on malware on your device.
You think you are using a free, safe internet, but you are really handing over your data to a cyber criminal.
Hijacking sessions
When you are logged into a website, such as your email or social media account, the site usually gives a small file to your browser called the session. This cookie is what you sign in, so whenever you click on something, you don’t need to enter your password.
But on a public or unsafe Wi -Fi network, someone around can stop this cook. If a hacker gets his grip, they can use it to work as if they are you.
They don’t need your password – they use your session cookie to jump straight into your account. This is like stealing a taxi ride for which you have already paid.
The website thinks it is still using the account, so the attacker can snatch it freely, and you will never know that it is happening.
Such an attack is called session hijacking, and this is one of the reasons why public Wi -Fi can be dangerous without protection.
Easy habits that keep you safe
You don’t have to stop using public Wi -Fi fully, but you need to be careful about it.
This is how to protect yourself.
Use VPN
A Virtual Network (VPN) is your best defense. It makes a private tunnel between your device and the Internet.
Even if someone stops your data, it is encrypted – scumbulated so they cannot read it.
The use of good VPNs is easy and work quietly in the background. Tap it before connecting a public Wi -Fi, and you are more secure.
Stay set on https sites
When a website starts with “HTTPS”, it means that the connection has been encrypted. Find the Little Pad Lock icon along with the URL. It’s not perfect, but it helps.
Avoid typing passwords or banking on sites that only use “HTTP”. As usual, use A Password manager To manage your passwords.
Avoid logging into sensitive accounts
When you are connected to public Wi-Fi, it is better to refrain from logging into any sensitive-such as your bank account, email, or online shopping sites.
Although many websites use HTTPS to secure your data, public networks can still be dangerous. Hackers can sometimes stop your contacts or to manipulate it before the encryption begins, or the weaknesses can be exploited in the network.
Therefore, it is more safe to wait unless you are on a private, reliable connection before you can access something important. Protecting your personal and financial information is always worth additional precautions.
Then forget the network
After eliminating the use of public Wi -Fi hotspot, it is important to “forget” my device to this network. If you don’t do this, the next time you are close, your device can automatically connect again – even without realizing it.
This can allow automatic connection hackers to set up fake hotspots later with the same name.
By forgetting the network, you make sure that your device will not contact until you choose to do so, protect your data from unwanted access.
Turn off sharing features
Features such as file sharing, air drop, and network discovery on laptops and smartphones make it easier to share files and information with nearby devices. But these settings can be dangerous on the public Wi -Fi network.
Hackers can access your device or exploit the file sharing or air drop in malware.
Always close these sharing options before connecting with any public network, to be safe. This easy move helps invaders prevent you from accessing your device through open -sharing channels.
The meaning of staying connected is not to be exposed
We all love free Wi -Fi facility. But this is not really free if it comes to your privacy – or at the cost of your identity.
Some smart habits, such as using VPNs and avoiding sensitive login, can go far beyond.
You do not need to be a cybercularity expert. At night, just treat the public Wi -Fi with the way you treat a sketch street: Be aware, and don’t close your eyes.
Be safe there.
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