This practice is not common, but it can help to reinforce the security of your devices, and therefore help you to protect your privacy. In the ultra-connected digital world in which we live, the security of our personal data has become as important as the security of our home. Among the threats that can compromise data security, Wi-Fi does not necessarily come to mind. However, it is widely used by cybercriminals to access sensitive data.
When you leave your WiFi enabled when you are away from home, you expose yourself to several risks.
Risks associated with public connections
Most public networks that offer a WiFi connection are not highly secure. These networks can make your information visible to other users and make the work of cybercriminals easier. There are a number of ways in which hackers can use these networks to access your data:
Man-in-the-middle (MITM) attacks
A man-in-the-middle attack is a form of cyberattack in which a hacker intercepts the communication between two parties without their knowledge. The hacker places himself between the two parties (hence the term “man in the middle”) and can then listen to, modify or manipulate the data exchanged. This type of attack can occur on public WiFi networks, where encryption and security are not always guaranteed.
Malicious networks
Sometimes the hacker sets up a fake public network that does not necessarily require a password. This network often has a name similar to that of the official Wi-Fi of the location in question (the airport, for example). Once the user connects to the fraudulent WiFi network, the hacker is in a position to intercept all traffic between the user and the internet. This includes websites visited, login information, credit card details, personal messages, etc.
Automatic connection: a potential danger
Today’s smartphones all have one capability: the ability to automatically reconnect to previously used WiFi networks. Although convenient, this becomes a major risk if the phone attempts to automatically join a network without your authorization.
Best practices to avoid the danger
WiFi is certainly an excellent option for avoiding using up a 4G or 5G data plan, especially when you want to download or view large files. To minimize the danger on public networks, here are some best practices:
Disable automatic connection
As mentioned above, it is recommended that you disable automatic connection to ensure that you do not unknowingly connect to potentially dangerous networks.
Use a VPN
The main problem with public WiFi connections is their lack of encryption. To remedy this, it is possible to use a VPN. A VPN (Virtual Private Network) is a service that creates a secure, encrypted connection over a less secure network, such as public WiFi.
VPNs scramble your personal information, so that without the appropriate decryption key, it cannot be read. If you regularly use public WiFi hotspots, we strongly recommend that you use a VPN to make your data less accessible.
Do not connect to sensitive sites
If you decide to use a public WiFi connection, avoid visiting sites that require password access, such as social networks or your online bank.
Hackers know that many people use the same passwords for several sites. Sometimes all they need is information from a single site to access all your sensitive data, including your bank details, your social networks, or even your crypto wallet.
Only use HTTPS
HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure) is a secure version of HTTP, the protocol used to transfer data on the web. It adds a layer of security to HTTP and encrypts communications between your browser and the web server. When browsing the internet on a public network, make sure you only visit sites that use this protocol. To check whether you are on a secure site, take a look at the site’s URL. It should start with “https://”.
Keep your applications up to date
Make sure your apps are always up to date. Updates often fix security vulnerabilities that were discovered in earlier versions of your apps.
These vulnerabilities can be exploited by hackers to carry out attacks. By installing updates, you close off these potential access points that hackers could otherwise use to compromise your devices and data.
To ensure you always have the latest versions of your apps, you can activate automatic updates. This can be done via the iPhone settings in the “App Store” section or in the Google Play Store settings on Android.
Completely disable your phone’s WiFi when you leave the house
The best solution is also the simplest: disable your phone’s WiFi and use your mobile phone’s internet connection sharing, or “hotspot”, instead. This way, you will have a secure connection dedicated to your use. Make sure you use a strong password to ensure that no one can connect to your hotspot.
