25 March 2024 , 06:00
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The thought of jetting off on holiday is no doubt crossing many people's minds as we speak, the weather's brightening up, and school Easter holidays are on the horizon. But, an expert has shared a crucial warning to all holidaymakers to be extra cautious when doing one simple thing...connecting to public Wi-Fi.
In fact, it could affect anyone who goes out and about connecting to public space networks, usually a game-changing function that's revitalised the way we operate if you happen to run out of data, but you could be putting yourself at a huge risk if not connected to a Virtual Private Network, or VPN.
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That's according to website expert Alan from Incredtools, who says even uploading something as simple as an airport selfie to your social can pose a risk. He said: "Login credentials for social media accounts or online banking transactions may be intercepted. This data may include sensitive information such as your personal details or even the specifics of your financial transactions."
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And it's all down to cybercriminals, hackers who scour the public networks looking to scam users out of their personal data. Alan said: "Cybercriminals can exploit vulnerabilities in these networks, intercepting and collecting unencrypted data transmitted between devices and the internet."
Using a tool like NordVPN adds an extra layer to protect your personal files, data, and detailsHackers can even gain user's banking information by tapping into their details if they were to open their online banking app or pay over the phone when on public Wi-Fi, a pretty scary scenario. Which is why Alan has shared these three essential things all holiday makers (and commuters, students, any public-wi-fi users) should do.
Always use a VPN
Number one is to use a VPN, or virtual private network. This acts as a barrier between your personal data and potential scammers and hackers when you browse on public domains. As Alan explains, he said: "Using a virtual private network (VPN) is a reliable safety measure, as this encrypts your internet connection and protects your data from potential eavesdroppers.
- Use public Wi-Fi with peace of mind with a NordVPN, as it launches 74% off sale
"VPNs create a secure tunnel for your data, making it difficult for hackers to decipher." As we speak NordVPN are currently running a sale with up to 74% cut off it's monthly subscription, plus you can get three months for FREE when you sign up.
Turn off sharing features
Alan's second piece of advice is to turn off or disable any settings on your device that allow for file or printer sharing, when connected to a public Wi-Fi. This reduces the risk of any unauthorised access.
- SurfShark is another trusted VPN brand to use when on public Wi-Fi - BUY HERE
"Some attackers may exploit open file-sharing settings to gain access to your files or inject malware into your device. Make sure to adjust your device’s settings to ensure it doesn't automatically connect to open Wi-Fi networks without your permission", said Alan.
Avoid unsecure networks
Another crucial measure to take is avoiding connecting to any unsecured Wi-Fi networks, usually this will pop up with a disclaimer on your device before you hit 'join'. Alan advises to choose networks with encryption and password protection for an extra layer of protection.
He says that unsecured networks with names like “Free_WiFi" may attract unsuspecting users but could be set up by malicious actors. Always verify the network name with the establishment staff to ensure you are connecting to the legitimate Wi-Fi service.