A delighted friend asking you just to jump on Osho free (free Wifi). There are reasons why it might have not been a good idea to join on impulse. This article covers those reasons and other things you should know about Public Wi-Fi.
Wi-Fi is a wireless network technology that allows internet-enabled devices such as computers, mobile devices to connect with the Internet. Internet connectivity occurs through a wireless router. When you access Wi-Fi, you are connecting to a wireless router that allows your Wi-Fi-compatible devices to interface with the Internet.
You might have heard that the full meaning of Wi-Fi is “Wireless Fidelity” but Phil Belanger, a founding member of the Wi-Fi alliance has dismissed the idea.
Types of Wi-Fi Hotspots
- Public Wi-Fi hotspots: Places like libraries and retail stores may offer a free, public WiFi connection for patrons. In some cities, Internet Service Providers (ISPs) may also provide free public WiFi connections. These are usually free.
- Mobile WiFi hotspots: There is a feature on your smartphone (and some laptops) that allows you to use your cellular data to create a Wi-Fi hotspot. Thereafter, you can connect to another smartphone or other devices to access the internet.
- Pre-paid hotspots: Prepaid WiFi hotspots are similar to mobile hotspots but set a limit on how much data you can transmit over the connection.
Read more: Types of Wi-Fi hotspot
To be more specific, there are two types of public Wi-Fi networks: secured and unsecured networks.
Security experts have advised people to stop using public Wi-Fi networks because of the risk of being hacked. Despite those warnings, free Wi-Fi is becoming more widespread with consumers browsing the web.
At home, you can take steps to keep your home wireless network secure like using a very strong router password, limiting the devices that can get into your network, over networks that are encrypted. But when you’re using your library’s Wi-Fi, there’s a limit to what you can do to control its security.
Risks of using Public Wi-Fi
- Theft of Personal Information: This is one of the most common yet most serious threats when it comes to public Wi-Fi. Such information can include financial information, login credentials, media, and personal data.
- Unencrypted Connections: When you are connected to a public WiFi network, anyone within range of your computer can intercept everything you transmit.
- Packet Sniffing (Eavesdropping): Anyone connected to the same WiFi network can eavesdrop on what you receive and send using a tool called a packet analyzer or packet sniffer.
- Man-In-The-Middle Attacks: A man-in-the-middle attack is a form of eavesdropping attack in which an attacker intercepts a conversation or data transfer in progress. The attackers pose as both genuine participants after inserting themselves in the “middle” of the transfer. An attacker would intercept data and information from both parties while also providing malicious links or other information to both genuine participants in a way that may not be detected until it is too late. Packet Sniffing tools can be used for man-in-the-middle attacks such as packet analyzer or packet sniffers.
These tools are not inherently bad. You can use them for good or bad purposes. Packet sniffers let network administrators troubleshoot connection problems and other performance issues with their wireless networks. On the other hand, hackers now use it for negative purposes.
- Spread of Malwares: Malwares exist in different forms like viruses, worms, ransomware. An attacker can leverage this to infect everyone that is connected without proper protection with malware.
- Session Hijacking: An attacker could hijack your connection to your bank’s website after you log in.
How to Stay Safe Online
If you want to stay and remain safe online, there are best practices you should take into consideration. Some of these include smart password choices, frequent security check-ups, etc.
Also Read: how to protect your digital self.
- How to Choose an Authentic Antivirus: 5 Features to Look Out For - August 25, 2022
- Cyber Resilience: Essential for Organisations - August 5, 2022
- Cryptomining and Cryptojacking - July 27, 2022
