How to Stay Safe on Public Wi-Fi: 6 Security Tips

Public Wi-Fi networks can be convenient — they’re often free and easy to log onto at places like libraries, coffee shops or airports. However, there are real public Wi-Fi security risks. When using these networks, your personal information can become susceptible to hackers! 

It’s a good idea to avoid using public Wi-Fi when you can. But if you can’t get around it, there are ways you can stay safe. Here are some tips on how to take the proper precautions to protect your security and data when working away from your home or office. 

To protect yourself from identity theft, reach out to Farm Bureau and ask about our identity theft insurance.

Tip #1: Use a VPN

If you have no choice but to use an airport’s or coffee shop’s public network, consider using a virtual public network (VPN) – a software that you can purchase from a provider and download onto your device. Without a VPN, hackers have the opportunity to steal your data or personal information. If your company doesn’t use a VPN or offer one to its employees, you may want to consider investing in an affordable option for yourself (if your company approves). Some examples of common VPNs include NordVPN and ExpressVPN.

VPNs encrypt data and connect you to a secure server, which may be a good idea for your overall security, especially if you travel a lot or like to work in remote spaces.

Tip #2: Know Your Network

It’s a good idea to try to stick with public Wi-Fi networks you’ve used in the past, like a familiar airport or a hotel. The fewer networks in your computer’s history, the better the chance you’ll stay uncompromised and secure.

If a random Wi-Fi network pops up, it may be legitimate, but don’t trust every Wi-Fi network that’s available to you, even if the name seems okay. Your chances of exposure resoundingly decrease when you stay on tried-and-true, previously used networks.

Tip #3: Stay on Secure Sites

When you are working online, you’ll often access websites that are unsecured — and frequently you’ll get a message that tells you the site is not secure, too!

Check for “https” rather than “http” in the URL. If it doesn’t have an “s” in the URL, avoid that site when on public Wi-Fi. But if you must visit that site, look for a login and registration component. That will tell you it’s (relatively) safe.

Tip #4: Don’t Shop Online

Shopping online means using credit or debit cards, accessing passwords and so on — and it’s a big no-no when you’re on a public Wi-Fi network. Shopping online might mean you unwittingly fork over data known only to the retailer that you wouldn’t want shared with strangers. Wait until you get home to make any online purchases.

Tip #5: Turn Off Bluetooth

Bluetooth is great to connect you with many devices when you’re at home, like speakers. But in a public setting, it offers hackers an opportunity to gain access to your computer and puts your security at risk. Disconnect from Bluetooth when you’re on public Wi-Fi and reconnect when you get back to a secure space, such as your office or your home.

Tip #6: Keep Your Personal Data to Yourself

Whatever you do, do not access your personal bank, investment or credit card accounts — or any personal data — on any unsecured public networks where hackers and identity thieves may be targeting Wi-Fi users. Even secured public networks can be risky, so leave that to where data and information of a personal nature is best left: in the privacy of your own home.

An Extra Layer of Protection

For added protection, reach out to Farm Bureau about adding Identity Services and Fraud Expense Coverage to your Farm Bureau insurance policy. With this coverage, experienced fraud support teams will work on your behalf to help resolve the situation if your identity gets stolen.