How to stay safe using a public Wi-Fi

Connect to Wi-Fi is in many public places: coffee shops, hotels, restaurants, airports, and even public transport. But often these open networks are not secure. Whatever you use - laptop, tablet or smartphone - the connection should as much as possible to protect your data. There are at least four simple steps that you can take to improve the safety of your data using the open public Wi-Fi networks.

Turn on the firewall

It will protect your PC against viruses and intruders.

IN Windows firewall enabled by default. However, if you are not sure, go to "Control Panel» → «Firewall Windows» and make sure it is enabled.

IN macOS a similar path: "System Settings» → «Protection and Safety» → «firewall».

Disconnect the hand

If your notebook is configured to automatically exchange files (for example, divided iTunes music library) or you use remote access to your home network before connecting to public Wi-Fi, these settings should disable.

To get to the network settings you want to change, in Windows Open the "Control Panel» → «Control Center Network and Sharing Center." Then, in the left pane, click "Change advanced sharing settings."

To disable distribution in macOS, Go to "System settings» → «Sharing» and disable file sharing.

Install the browser extension

there are also expansion for browsers that improve yield security in the Internet. One of them is HTTPS Everywhere from Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF).

Extension provides secure connection during a visit to sites like Yahoo, eBay, Amazon, and others. It is also possible to create your own XML-configuration file to add the sites that were not included in the above list that you find is not too safe. This is an extension available for Chrome and Firefox and works with Windows, macOS and Linux.

Use a VPN to connect to the access point

Unfortunately, not all websites and search engines provide protection for encrypted Secure Socket Layer protocol (SSL). This makes the data passing over public networks Wi-Fi, available to third parties.

Perhaps we should consider connecting to public Wi-Fi hotspots using VPN-server. When this information is transmitted in encrypted form, making it inaccessible to intruders. Therefore, virtual private network (VPN) is a useful tool when dealing with public Wi-Fi hotspots to access.

One such service is the VPN- proXPNWhich is free in the basic version. However, the bandwidth of your connection will be limited. Full speed, as well as a number of additional functions are available in the premium account (from $ 6.25 per month). ProXPN runs on Windows, macOS, there is also a mobile version for smartphones and tablets.

The installation process is very simple: you have to create an account, set proXPN to sign up.

As proXPN alternative, consider, for example, CyberGhost, Your Freedom or Hotspot Shield. Users of free versions are also limited in the amount of the VPN-sites, time and speed of connection, and the price premium account begins with one dollar per month.

On the other hand, you may be enough work for five hours, available for continuous connection, such as a free account Spotflux.

see also

• How to distribute the internet from your PC via cable or Wi-Fi →
• How to use Wi-Fi in the Moscow metro without obtrusive advertising →
• How to transfer files via Wi-Fi without the Internet →