Takeaway: Five simple ways to protect your information when using WiFi and Hotspots.
WiFi is exchanging data through a wireless local area network (WLAN) from electronic devices including smartphones, laptops and tablets.
Also, WiFi is available in public places such as Airports and Restaurants. Identity Thieves, Hackers and Criminals take advantage of WiFi because it is convenient for users to access personal information.
1. Avoid accessing your bank accounts & online stores:
When using public WiFi, it is best to avoid using your credit card or banking information.
2. Double check the WiFi name:
Prior to connecting to a public network double check with an employee for their network name. Identity thieves can create a false Hot-Spot, have users connect and then steal personal information.
3. Turn-Off “Auto Connect”:
Stay in control of what networks you connect to, smartphones have a setting that automatically connects you to the closest open network. Simply, turn this setting off to decide what networks to connect to.
4. Never use the same Password:
An additional step you can take to keep online accounts safe is to use different passwords for each account. Using the same password makes stealing your information easier for criminals.
5. Check the Lock:
The extra layer of security is the locked padlock in the address bar of your browser or “https” which means that your information has been encrypted.
