Don’t Travel With Hackers! How to Stay Safe On Public WiFi

Working remotely from home affords you the ability to control most cyber security concerns. We can get as many layers of protection as required to secure our private data. But when we are out and about, using public WiFi at airports, train stations, waiting rooms, internet cafes and the like, we are increasingly vulnerable to cyberattacks. Is public WiFi convenient? Yes. It’s very convenient. Is it a great way to pass the time - catch up on work – answer emails? Of course, but is public WiFi safe? No. And public WiFi is very convenient for cybercriminals. These days, “off-the-shelf” hacking apps are easy to purchase and so user-friendly that almost anyone, without or without a tech background, can learn how to hack your cell phones, laptops and other devices through public WiFi. You must understand the dangers of public WiFi and address them with a cyber security strategy that’s right for you.

One approach is never to use public WiFi. So, if you’d rather not take the risk, there are two readily available options to avoid using public WiFi connections:

Turn Off Your WiFi and Use Your Mobile Data – If you use your cell phone to connect to the internet, consider using your mobile data instead of WiFi. Mobile data is encrypted and hard to hack.
VPNs – There are many options for VPN apps (Virtual Private Networks). VPNs offer a strong layer of mobile cyber security. VPNs, using “tunneling” technology, create your own private “network within the network.” They effectively hide the location of your IP Address and automatically encrypt your data.

How to Stay Safe on Public WiFi

Log in and Out as Quickly as Possible – Never stay logged in for long periods.
Don’t Conduct Any Financial Transactions – Again, Public WiFi is not safe. Cybercriminals are waiting for you to access your personal and financial data.
Only Log In to Trusted Websites – If you aren’t sure that a website is encrypted and trusted, don’t go there.
Don’t Ignore Browser Security Warnings – Many browsers will present warnings against downloading malware or connecting with suspicious websites. Heed those warnings and abort the actions that prompt them. Resist the knee-jerk response to skip past the warnings because they’re slowing you down. They are there to protect you.
Don’t Use the Same Password – Using the same password to log into a variety of websites is potentially offering the hackers an all-access pass to all of your online activities and the accounts associated with them.
Set Your Device to Not Automatically Log in – Make sure your device is not set to log into “Any Available” Wifi. The more direct control you have of how you log on to any public WiFi network, the more likely you are to protect your device from a cyberattack.

Cyber security involves many layers of protection well beyond protecting your computer from cyberattacks. Now, there are so many moving parts to securing your network and all your devices. Unfortunately, most small to midsized businesses have neither the time nor the expertise to handle cyber security on their own. Enlisting professional IT Consulting services will help you determine the right level of protection and ongoing security protocols to protect your hard-earned data even while traveling. In addition, they will help you understand your IT vulnerabilities and suggest the most appropriate layers of protection for your small to midsized business.

IT Maintenance

Every device connected to your network, from anywhere in the world, is a vulnerable access point for cybercriminals to breach your network. Mobile Device Management is now an integral part of cyber security. Computers and all your devices must also have established security protocols and defenses in place. With the expanded use of remote and work-from-home employees, having a team of IT experts to support your systems is imperative for a small to midsized business. Your IT support team can train your staff, update your software, inspect and monitor your hardware and provide iron-clad cyber security for all your devices and networks.

GEEK-AID^® Computer and Network Support specializes in customized Managed IT Services for small to midsized businesses. GEEK-AID®'s team of experts is comprised of top specialists in different areas of IT services, serving clients on-site and remotely for Macs, PCs and all of your connected devices. The GEEK-AID^® team doesn't clock out at five o'clock on Friday. They are available 24/7, remotely or in-person, to ensure your computers, network and data stay healthy and secure. As your business grows, expands its network and adds more devices such as smart controls, smart devices, wireless access and remote access, your network's cybercrime vulnerability and need for cyber security will grow, too. In addition to maintaining the hardware, software and security, employee training and regular IT support must be ongoing. New users and new devices will require additional training to use those devices efficiently. Hardware and software installation and maintenance, repair, cyber security and network protection are all related and must be consistent and proactive.

Call (877) GEEK-AID (877-433-5243) to evaluate and discuss all your IT needs before your business falls victim to a cyberattack.