Keep your Data Private on Public Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi may be very handy, but convenience may turn into a nightmare should your privacy be compromised. Follow our tips to ensure you stay safe when using public Wi-Fi.

Don’t assume your data will be private

We generally know how to secure our wireless routers at home and the importance of doing so. But often the same people will gladly use Wi-Fi in an airport, coffee shop, etc. without a second thought.

But whether we are using free Wi-Fi, or a paid-for version, the bad news is security is not part of the deal.

Even if you are using an encrypted network, you are not necessarily safe, since all other users in the same cafe, etc, are

using the same password, so can see your traffic.

Follow these tips for a safer surfing experience…

Use SSL for Webmail

To avoid others snooping on your email, ensure you use a Webmail system with HTTPS for the entirety of your session. The vast majority of systems use this when you log into your email so your password remains safe, but after this revert back to HTTP to ease the strain on their servers and serve advertisements easier.

This means everyone on the same wireless network can potential read your email content, and even get their hands on your session cookie in some cases, allowing them to log into your account even without having your password, unless you have logged out (which you always do, yeah?). Gmail and your corporate email system are exceptions to this, but the majority fall under this umbrella.

So, if you have to check your emails away from the comfort of your home or your desk, stick to SSL. Otherwise, at least make sure you logout!

Make the most of your VPN

If you have a VPN with Internet access through your company, use it when accessing the Internet via Wi-Fi hotspots. Doing so ensures your communications are encrypted, and makes sure you are accessing your company’s resources securely. It may mean you have to work at a slightly slower speed, but it’s worth it for peace of mind.

If you don’t have a company VPN, you can still work more safely using HotSpot Shield, a free VPN service offered by AnchorFree. This software can be installed prior to using public Wi-Fi for better security. It’s not 100% secure, as data can be unencrypted at some points, but as hackers would need access to both the AnchorFree data centre as well as the Wi-Fi network you are on, it’s a lot better than no VPN at all.