Tip of the Week: Think Twice Before Connecting to Public Wi-Fi

Wireless Internet signals, referred to as Wi-Fi, are commonplace in the office. Even organizations that don’t need access to the Internet, like restaurants and coffee shops, have wireless connections available for customer use. However, just because you can connect to free Wi-Fi, doesn’t mean that you should.

Often, the people who use public connections are fully aware of just how dangerous free Wi-Fi is, yet still use it. The Identity Theft Resource Center claims that 78.5 percent of users who connect to free Wi-Fi understand that there are major risks involved, and yet only 26.7 percent use a VPN to keep themselves safe. Here are a few reasons why you need to be careful when accessing public Wi-Fi.

Anyone Can Access It
If the Wi-Fi isn’t protected by a passcode, the network is vulnerable to hacking attacks and other threats. And, if the router isn’t configured properly, the passcode doesn’t offer much help. The fact that anyone can access it at their leisure means that there’s virtually nothing stopping hackers from connecting to the router and spying on other users.

Keep in mind, although we use the term "hacker," even a mischievous child with a bit of curiosity and the proper know-how could access your files via public Wi-Fi if the connection isn’t secure.

Free Wi-Fi is Highly Used
A free Internet connection will draw traffic. Hackers understand that free Wi-Fi draws plenty of victims, so they’ll use the convenience to find new targets.

Data Isn’t Encrypted
Encryption adds an extra layer of protection to any data sent to and received across an Internet connection. When routers have encryption, hackers have a more difficult time stealing data. Therefore, you should only connect to routers that have encryption, something your run-of-the-mill router at your local restaurant is unlikely to have.

What You Can Do
You may not be able to control who secures their public Wi-Fi routers, but you can take steps to protect yourself if you’re ever in the position where you feel you must use it. Here are three best practices for keeping your devices safe while using a public Wi-Fi network:

• Only connect to networks that require security codes.
• Set your phones and devices so that they don’t automatically connect to any new Wi-Fi network.
• Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN).

To learn more about how you can keep your data safe from prying eyes, reach out to SMART Services at 586 258-0650 .

Let Smart Services position your agency for tomorrow’s technological challenges. For 25 years, Smart Services has helped agencies across the U.S. face a changing environment by providing innovative technology solutions that allow agencies to focus on growing their business. MyAGENCYcloud, our complete cloud solution, covers all your technology needs in the cloud or at your agency. In today’s competitive environment, it’s time to make your agency technology a strategic asset, instead of a liability. Let us show you how. To learn more, please call our expert agency technology advisor at 586-258-0650.