Public Wi-Fi networks are everywhere around – in your favorite café, the park you often visit, the store you shop at, etc. They are convenient and accessible, which makes people use them daily while on the go. But unfortunately, not all public Wi-Fi networks are safe.
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The networks are often used by hackers to steal data. Knowing which Wi-Fi network is safe is becoming more and more difficult. Additionally, cybercriminals are always searching for new ways to get their hands on user information, and they are becoming increasingly crafty about it.
One new technique has attracted the attention of the public recently, and it is better to know about it than to have your data stolen.
A new technique for breaking into smartphones
Hackers now use a device that looks like something out of a Sci-Fi movie, but it is instead a powerful antenna. They usually set it up near a café or a public place with a free Wi-Fi network. Then cybercriminals impersonate a Wi-Fi network, prompting users to connect to it. This method is also known as Wi-Fi jacking, and it is more and more prevalent.
Once someone connects to the fake Wi-Fi network, hackers are granted access to all the data from their phone. It includes all remembered passwords, financial information, documents, emails, and more. But the scariest part is that your phone can be hacked even if you have left the public location!
Since a device can remember a Wi-Fi network, cybercriminals could follow you home and point the antenna at your location. Your phone will connect to the network, and cybercriminals might take full control of your device. So what can you do to prevent this from happening? The short answer would be not to use public Wi-Fi, but we all know that’s impossible.
Here are a couple of steps you can take to ensure your phone and data are safe:
- It could be difficult to get used to, but make sure you switch off Wi-Fi when you leave your house. Set a reminder somewhere, and that will become a habit after several days.
- Learning how to install a VPN on your router is handy, but consider using the same app on your phone. Its powerful encryption will make your data unreadable by a third party which can prevent them from accessing your data.
- Install all available updates on your phone and devices you use outside of your home network. These are designed to improve security and patch everything that can be exploited by cybercriminals. System updates are the most important ones, so don’t delay them. Download a new version as soon as it is available to you.
- If you are going to a café or library, and plan on using public Wi-Fi, forget the network once you are done browsing the web or checking your social media. It is a great way to prevent hackers from hacking your phone once you are back home.
How to secure your home Wi-Fi network
Now that we have covered what could happen to you on public Wi-Fi networks let’s discuss the security of your home Wi-Fi. If your network gets compromised, every device connected to it is in danger. So let’s discuss how to minimize the risk of getting hacked:
Use a strong Wi-Fi password
A strong Wi-Fi password is the first line of defense. Short and simple passwords are easy to remember and type in but remember that others could quickly guess it. Don’t use the names of your pet, your birthday, your mother’s middle name, etc. Instead, create a password with numbers, uppercase letters, and symbols. If you at any point think that someone else is using your Wi-Fi, set a new password immediately.
Use a VPN
A VPN is a diverse tool that can take your network security to the next level. They are recommended for public networks because of encryption, but a VPN can be a powerful ally at home too. There are free VPN options available, but it is sometimes better to pay for a premium because of all the additional security features.
Be aware of the router login credentials
Router login credentials are not the same as your Wi-Fi password, and you should change them as soon as possible to prevent someone else from gaining access to your router settings. Some routers might have the same login credentials across several models, and hackers could guess it quickly. You can change the default router login credentials by typing your IP address into the URL bar in your browser. Those logging in for the first time should search for the password on their router.
