Caroline Black from Secure Thoughts shares some tips on how you can better protect your mobile data using public networks.
Public WiFi can be an easy access point for hackers to obtain your personal information. Whether you’re on your tablet, laptop or smartphone, the risks remain the same: some creep could be around the corner or even at the next table spying on your online activities, lurking on your accounts and taking down your login and banking information. It’s likely that there are many personal details stored on your device, whether you know it or not.
Smartphones especially come with risks because you are always logged into one of your accounts (as required by the operating system). It’s also easy to forget to log out on the websites you visit and many users save their passwords for a simpler way to access the pages later on. Anyone who sneaks their way into your smartphone can easily find this information, whether they physically have your device or if they’re hacking into it through an unsecured network.
So how are you able to prevent this from occurring anyways? Avoiding public WiFi is not an option for many smartphone users, especially when they’re on the go. So instead of ditching the public WiFi, consider securing your device. Here’s how you can do just that:
Check Your Accounts
Besides keeping an eye on your account activity on a regular basis, you should avoid saving your passwords on your device. Sometimes your web browser will ask you if you’d like to save your passwords, though you could have also stored them in a memo on your phone. Whichever might be the case, you should never store your passwords on your smartphone.
Another tip about passwords: change them every so often, and don’t use your personal information as your passwords (addresses, names, birthdates, etc.). You also want to ensure that the passwords you are choosing aren’t weak (which means they’re easier to guess or obtain). Strong passwords will always contain at least eight characters, numbers and uppercase and lowercase letters.
Some providers allow you to use symbols in your passwords, which can add an extra layer of security to your account (the more variation you have, the better), so it’s recommended that you also use these when possible.
Virtual Private Networks
There are a few security apps you can download that will help you avoid the security risks that come along with using public WiFi. One of these is a Virtual Private Network (VPN), which will encrypt your connection (making it secure instead of unsecured) and hide your location. Public WiFi is an unsecured network by default, so by encrypting your internet connection, you’ll be able to deter hackers who might be looking to prey on those who are leaving their device unprotected.
VPNs also unblock websites, so while you’re traveling, you’ll be able to securely access all of your usual sites, while keeping your smartphone protected at the same time. It’s able to do this because a VPN is a remote server, and there will be several locations to choose from when you use the service. For example, you can connect to a VPN that is located in New York City even if you are currently in France.
The IP address of the VPN is shown instead of your own, and this is the piece of information that websites pick up on in order to determine your location. With tutorials on how to hack into someone’s device being readily available online, it’s especially important to use security software. Hacking into public WiFi networks in particular seems to be extremely easy and can be done in a matter of minutes, so it’s wise for you to protect your device before you begin using the internet.
As far as VPNs go, there are many different ones to choose from, and they tend to cost under $15 per month. For your smartphone, I would recommend ExpressVPN. Compared to other VPNs available, it offers better customer service, a quicker connection, and overall, great service. There are no limits on bandwidth, no logs kept of your online activities, and they even offer a 30-day, money-back guarantee.
Anti-Virus
It’s common knowledge that anti-virus programs can protect your computer, but did you know that they can also protect your smartphone? There are plenty of anti-virus apps available and many are free to use. For starters, check out Avast Free Mobile Security.
Avast Free Mobile Security comes along with usual features you would expect in an anti-virus app but also much more. You’re able to lock certain apps that might contain your personal information, block numbers from calling or texting your phone, remotely locate your phone if it goes missing and even wipe your data if your phone is stolen. Interestingly, you can also trigger a remote siren so if a thief tries to take off with your smartphone, they’ll be spotted in a crowd.
Compared to other anti-virus apps, Avast Free Mobile Security seems to be the best because of the amount of additional features it has. Beyond the typical malware scans, this app comes along with some extremely useful anti-theft capabilities that can help you locate your device and even catch the crook involved. If you decide to upgrade to the premium version of the app, you’ll also be able to lock your smartphone and take a “theftie,” so you have a better chance of being able to identify the thief.
Keep an Eye Out
When you’re in a public place where you might be connecting to an unsecured network, even if you have security software installed on your device, it would still be wise to avoid leaving it unattended. Always take notice of where your smartphone is. Even with anti-theft features available for you to locate your device in its absence, by the time you’re able to trigger the anti-theft controls, the thief could already have a lot of your personal information.
If you ever need to step away from your smartphone for a moment, consider locking your screen with a password and only leaving your device with a trusted party. You enable lock screen passwords by accessing the settings on your device.
Smartphone Security
The security of your smartphone matters a lot. If someone obtains your device or even hacks into it, they can take off with a ton of information. In the worst case scenario, you could be faced with identity theft.
Whether it’s during your use of an unsecured network like public WiFi, or just as you’re strolling around town, security apps are your best bet in keeping your personal information out of the hands of malicious folks. There are a few steps you can take to prevent your data from being obtained by hackers and thieves, but overall, it’s not logical to assume that you are ever 100 percent protected from threats to your digital security.
However, when you are using the tips explained in this article, you’re less likely to encounter these unfavorable situations. Compared to the average internet user, you will actually be more protected. Most of all, keeping your internet connection encrypted should deter hackers that specifically target and prey on public WiFi users.
Author:
Caroline is a self-confessed geek who loves writing about technology, smartphones, gadgets and staying safe online.