Staying connected while travelling is not as simple as obtaining a wifi hotspot and having connected to that. With free WiFi connection, there are a lot of tricky situations where hackers try to steal the credentials and personal data. For this reason, it is better to use VPN’s which is a popular device and can be used in any public place like airports, parks, coffees shops, businesses etc.. It is always better to be on a safer side than worrying later.
Having said that, when users are accessing the internet in any of the public WiFi hotspots, and sending or receiving the information is highly insecure and up for the grabs. It may be the photos, videos, passwords, important files, or any credit card numbers. So, consider using a VPN, if there is a chance of using hotspots for any sensitive activity and quality protection.
While using WiFi at home, Online transmissions are encrypted between the users’ device and the wireless router and are securely protected from others viewing or prying on the personal data. Hence, while using WiFi in the public follow the below tips or visit https://vpnpro.com/vpn-reviews/avast-secureline-vpn-review/ for safe surfing.
Spending Time on airport WiFi
Planning to fly to the favourite destination and want to catch up with emails or posts on social media. International airports, nowadays are offering free unlimited WiFi, but if it secured or not is always a question. When the hotspot is unsecured, then the data will be always at a high risk and information is unprotected. Anyone who is on the same network can spy this unprotected data if they know how to do it. So, make sure of the sites, once decided to use free public WiFi. For a safer side don’t use the site which requires the credentials, because hackers all around will be using the software tools to capture the sensitive data. Don’t visit the sites where there is a sensitive information like banking sites or any transactional sites on which the credit card information is stored.
Use HTTPS Sites
Google Chrome has let the users know that it is unsafe to use HTTP site as it is unencrypted. It has made modifications to the sites and brought HTTPS which is encrypted. Google Chrome as labelled the former as “Not Secure” platform. See to that warning while using a public WiFi hotspot. When using HTTPS hackers cannot snoop on the data which travels between the user and the server of the website. While using HTTP, it is easy for hackers to watch what others are doing. However, if the sites are protected and safe it will be showing a lock on to the left of the URL.
Using apps can be avoided
Apps are more sensitive than the browser. If the apps are from well-known brands like Paypal is okay. But avoid using the apps from an unknown company, wherein there is a necessity of entering sensitive information. This is especially important if the user uses the same password for different websites. Even when the users want to browse the gaming website, hackers track the credentials and use it for every other website. These websites can be of emails or other social media platforms. It is always better to browse the HTTP websites than the apps.
Write the content before leaving
It is always better to set aside the written posts and photos so that users have a backlog of things to post before leaving on a trip. Follow a schedule of the content which needs to follow, so that, it will become comfortable with the content to post. If the content is planned, there is no need to rushing for writing articles and posting the photos on the blogs about the current travels.
Instead take time to get into the channel, do the research well and find some interesting events or stories before writing it. If the things are stacked up until the travelling date, it makes the travel stressful and will not have fun while travelling.
Use VPN on Public WiFi
A VPN is necessarily a private network which gives access to the blogger so to avoid the risk of theft or data breach. As we already know that using public WiFi hotspots are dangerous and can be hacked all the sensitive data. Hackers and cybercriminals target the networks because they are unsecured.
Hackers might steal the credentials or even inject the malware viruses on the devices. While using VPN one get around of censorship and service restrictions. Many countries even block favourite sites like BBC, Facebook etc. which are considered as contrary to the national engagement. By using VPN, however, ensure that all the data is encrypted making it ineffective for hackers to hack.
Careful while logging into a hotel WiFi
The destination is fixed and ready to move and unwind, but don’t be so comfortable using the hotel’s WiFi. As compared to airport connection, hotel’s WiFi is not that secured, even with a password. After all, hotels are specialized only in the hospitality sector and not in information security. Therefore, It is not correct to believe that they are all set with the security features. And when there are chances for vulnerabilities for famous hotel routers, it may take a while to solve those vulnerabilities.
However, while check-in, ask for an official password and hotel’s WiFi, so there will be a better chance of being safeguarded with a passcode network. After taking the secured password also users should be cautious about using the WiFi so unless there is a VPN to protect the personal information do not visit the sites. Browsing the websites online for local tourist attractions will be high-risk actions without a VPN. But it is always better for not using or logging into any online accounts which are sensitive.
Don’t share any files and AirDrop
When on a public WiFi and around strangers, cut off all the features which enable frictionless sharing of files on the devices. Follow the below steps to turn off advanced sharing settings while sharing the files on a public WiFi
On a windows computer, go to sharing centre and network
Change the advanced sharing settings
Turn-off printer and file sharing
If it is for Mac
Click on System Preferences>sharing
Uncheck all the items.
Then on the head to finder check on AirDrop and select “allow-me-to-discovered-by: No one”
For iOs
Click on Control-Center and check on AirDrop and then turn off.
By doing all this no one will receive or send files without the permission.
Conclusion
AT last, make sure that the travel itinerary should not include any personal data where there are chances of stealing on a public Wifi. This makes the device vulnerable and identity theft. However, with VPN service, there is always a encryption of the data and privacy too. There is no need to worry about the information being hacked.
In spite of the best measures taken, it is better to avoid using public WiFi and secure it from the high-risks. Always it is better to think of downloading the videos or photos while leaving homes. If by any chance there is a connectivity, the steps mentioned above should minimize the problem and help to stay safe on the public WiFi.
