We are constantly connecting to a Wi-Fi network through a mobile device, a computer or a tablet, and many times we do on any Wi-Fi internet network which we can access. We do this either because of the need to want to connect with someone through an app that needs an internet connection. Other times for work reasons we have to stay connected, in short, there are many reasons.
However, what we never know is that when connecting to any Wi-Fi network and that it is not known, but that it is any network. We may run the risk that they can steal information that we have on the pages that we have connected to the Wi-Fi network and other data. For this reason, here we will give you some tips so that you can safely connect to a Wi-Fi network on any device.
What risks exist in my security when I connect to a WiFi network?
Currently there are many risks when browsing the internet and there is even a risk when using Wi-Fi networks that are public or private. But today there are more public Wi-Fi networks that have been established in squares, parks or any other establishment. These networks are usually free as there are some that need some requirement to be able to access it and thus use it.
However, what many users don’t know is that you can take risks when connecting a device to a public Wi-Fi network. Because we would be leaving our device fully open and the pages we navigate fully open to be intercepted by a hacker or a virus.
Interception in communications
Many times we do not think that by connecting to a Wi-Fi network through our phone or a computer, we run some kind of risk. The truth is that we do run risks and one of these risks is the interception of communications. That is, we are connected to a Wi-Fi network and we are communicating through an instant messaging application or by calls. This communication can be intercepted by any third party or cyber criminal that you have access to it through the Wi-Fi connection.
Theft of personal information
As we have mentioned before, when we are using public or private Wi-Fi networks, we will be running the risk of personal information that we have on our phone or on our computer being stolen. If a malicious person who knows how to hack a Wi-Fi network and obtain private information from the devices that are connected to said network, they can steal more than we imagine.
Likewise, the information that they can steal is passwords, personal files, emails, banking information itself, there are many data that they can extract and that they can easily use without us knowing.
hardware damage
Apart from the fact that they can steal our data and the information that is on our device, damage to our device can occur. In other words, by connecting to a public or private network, we will be running the risk of damaging the hardware of our device. Therefore, one must be very careful and use an antivirus on our computer or on our phone.
Virus infection of the local network
Both computers and mobile phones can be infected with any virus when downloading a file or when connecting with another device. Besides, not only can they be infected in this way, but they can also be infected by connecting to a Wi-Fi network.
What is the best way to connect to a Wi-Fi network without taking any risks?
We have already talked about the different risks that may exist when connecting a device to a Wi-Fi network, but it is also important to mention some recommendations that you can follow or apply so that Don’t run any risk when connecting to a Wi-Fi network. Besides, with these recommendations you will be much more cautious when connecting to any Wi-Fi network and thus maintain the security of your data and that of your device.
Use known networks all the time
One of the recommendations to avoid taking risks when connecting to a Wi-Fi network is to try to use known networks all the time. In other words, we must try to connect our device to a Wi-Fi network of a person who is completely trustworthy. In this way we will prevent any malicious party from stealing any type of information from our device.
Access incognito browsing
One of the things that many users who connect to a Wi-Fi network and navigate in different browsers using very personal data is that these can be stolen. But what they really don’t know yet is that they can browse very securely using any Wi-Fi network through the incognito browsing feature. I mean, you can activate this function in your browser and browse privately or as a spy where no one will be able to know, apart from leaving no trace.
Nowadays, most browsers like Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Brave and others have an incognito mode browser window available that can be activated and used. Likewise, with this you will prevent the browsing history from being saved where you have entered a page or website.
Do not share banking information with unknown sites
One of the most common mistakes that all people make is save bank passwords or any other type of banking information on a website. And it is that a person who is a hacker or a cybercriminal can easily access it, managing to steal this information and even carry out bank transactions.
For this reason, it is extremely important that you avoid sharing any information or bank details while using an unsecured public Wi-Fi network.