Digital security. Second problem

 PROBLEM

My brother always uses public conections, like public libraries or cultural centers, to do his online works. He has an important job and manage sensible information about clients and business. I think this is not a good idea to use public wi-fi connections. 

PROBLEMS OF USE PUBLIC CONNECTIONS

Unencrypted networks

Many public Wi-Fi hotspots are unencrypted networks that transmit data in plain text, making it vulnerable to cybercriminals with the right tools. Hackers on the same network can intercept your online activities, including banking information, login credentials, and personal messages.

Malicious hotspots

Malicious hotspots, or rogue access points, are deceptive networks that trick users into connecting by mimicking legitimate Wi-Fi names. For instance, if you were staying at the Goodnight Inn and wanted to connect to the hotel’s Wi-Fi, you might mistakenly select “GoodNight Inn” (with a capital N) instead of the correct network. By doing so, you risk connecting to an “evil twin” network set up by cybercriminals to access your internet traffic.

Man-in-the-middle attacks

A man-in-the-middle attack is a cyberattack where an intruder secretly positions themselves between two communicating parties, such as a user and an application. This allows them to intercept, eavesdrop on, or manipulate communications.

On unsecured public Wi-Fi networks, attackers can capture data packets more easily, potentially giving them full access to sensitive information like login credentials, credit card numbers, or personal messages. In the case of session hijacking, they may also alter the data, leading to fraudulent activities or data breaches.

Here you can find more information

TYPES TO PREVENT USE PUBLIC CONNECTIONS

Disable auto Wi-Fi connect. If your phone automatically joins surrounding networks, you can disable this function in your settings. Avoid linking to unknown or unrecognized networks.

Turn off Wi-Fi when done. Your computer or phone can still transmit data even when you are not using it. Be sure to disable your Wi-Fi from the network when you are finished using it.

Avoid financial transactions. If you must use public Wi-Fi, don’t conduct a sensitive transaction such as banking, shopping, or any kind of activity that requires your social security or credit card numbers or password use. Wait until you get to a secured home network to conduct personal business.

Look for the HTTPS. Fake or unsecured websites will not have the HTTPS in their address. Also, look for the little lock icon in the address bar to confirm a secure connection.

Secure your devices. Use a personal VPN as an extra layer of security against hackers and malware.

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