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Avoiding Public Wifi: Essential Steps to Protect Your Personal Information and Finances

12 September, 2024

A recent case reported by VOV involves a woman, Ms. L., from Hanoi, who fell victim to theft after accessing an online shopping website using public wifi at a cafe. This incident has caused concern among many, as it is common for people to use public wifi when they are out, whether at a cafe, restaurant, etc. As a result, people are now wondering how to protect their phones when connecting to public wifi to prevent personal information theft.

Here are some precautions to help you stay safe when using public wifi:

Avoid Using Public Wifi for Online Shopping or Bill Payments

Given the case of Ms. L. mentioned above, it is important to note that public wifi is accessible to everyone and has low security due to its public nature. This makes it vulnerable to interference by malicious actors using advanced technology. As a result, the wifi router can be hacked, leading to potential theft of user information, as seen in Ms. L.’s case.

It is advisable to use your mobile data or private wifi for online shopping or bill payments when you are out and about.

Use a VPN for a More Secure Connection

VPN stands for Virtual Private Network. It hides your IP address and encrypts your personal data, protecting your online privacy and anonymity.

You can find various VPN applications on app stores, but be sure to choose one from a reputable provider to avoid unnecessary risks.

Do Not Provide Personal Information

Malicious actors may set up fake promotions or require personal information to connect to the wifi network. Do not fall for these tricks, as they aim to collect your data and cause nuisance or even hack your phone. If you are asked to provide personal information such as your full name, phone number, or ID card number, do not give out your real information. Instead, decline or provide fake information.

Always “Forget” the Wifi Network After Use

By default, your phone’s wifi function may automatically connect to previously connected networks when in range. This makes it easier for malicious actors to consistently access your phone and track your online behavior and personal information.

Forgetting the public wifi network after use will help you avoid potential issues when passing through areas where you have previously connected to wifi.

Install Antivirus Software on Your Phone

Some network connections, whether through links or directly via wifi, can infect your phone with viruses, creating security vulnerabilities that malicious actors can exploit to access your personal information. Antivirus software can help minimize this risk by detecting and protecting your phone from harmful viruses.

Consider installing antivirus software from reputable developers such as Kaspersky, Avast, Avira, or McAfee to protect your device.

Frequently asked questions

Public Wi-Fi networks are often unsecured and can leave your personal information and finances vulnerable to hackers and cybercriminals. Your data can be intercepted and stolen when using public Wi-Fi, especially if the network is not password-protected or uses a common password that is easily guessed.

To protect your data, it is essential to avoid accessing sensitive information or conducting financial transactions on public Wi-Fi. Utilize a VPN (Virtual Private Network) to encrypt your internet traffic and hide your IP address. Additionally, ensure that your device’s firewall is enabled and that your antivirus software is up-to-date.

Consider using your mobile data plan instead of public Wi-Fi. Modern data plans often provide sufficient data allowances for everyday internet usage. If you require a more stable connection, invest in a portable hotspot device or use your smartphone’s tethering feature to create a private Wi-Fi network for your devices.

Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on all your important accounts. 2FA adds an extra layer of security by requiring a code generated by an app or sent to your phone in addition to your password. Also, use strong, unique passwords for each account and consider using a password manager to securely store them.

Avoid online banking or shopping on public Wi-Fi. If necessary, use your bank’s official app, which is generally more secure than a website. Monitor your bank statements regularly for any unauthorized transactions, and report any suspicious activity immediately to your financial institution.