{"id":2691,"date":"2016-10-19T04:40:42","date_gmt":"2016-10-19T04:40:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/habitual-statement.flywheelsites.com\/?p=2691"},"modified":"2016-10-19T04:40:42","modified_gmt":"2016-10-19T04:40:42","slug":"tip-of-the-week-why-you-should-think-twice-before-connecting-to-public-wi-fi","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.semtechit.com\/tip-of-the-week-why-you-should-think-twice-before-connecting-to-public-wi-fi\/","title":{"rendered":"Tip of the Week: Why You Should Think Twice Before Connecting to Public Wi-Fi"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"Wireless Internet signals, referred to most commonly as Wi-Fi, are commonplace in every office. Even organizations that don\u2019t often need access to the Internet, like restaurants and coffee shops, have wireless connections available for customers to use. However, just because you can connect to free Wi-Fi, doesn\u2019t necessarily mean that you should.<\/p>\n

One of the big problems with free Wi-Fi is that people who use public connections are fully aware of just how dangerous it is; yet, they still want to use it. The Identity Theft Resource Center claims that 78.5 percent of users who connect to free Wi-Fi understand that there are major risks involved, and yet only 26.7 percent use a VPN to keep themselves safe. Thus, free Wi-Fi should be approached with caution. Here are just a few reasons why you need to be careful when accessing public Wi-Fi.<\/p>\n

Anyone Can Access It<\/strong>
\nIf the Wi-Fi isn\u2019t protected by a passcode, the network is vulnerable to hacking attacks and other threats. Plus, if the router isn\u2019t configured properly, the passcode doesn\u2019t offer much help. The fact that anyone can access it at their leisure means that there\u2019s virtually nothing stopping hackers from connecting to the router and spying on other users.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s worth mentioning that, although we use the term \u2018hacker,\u2019 even a mischievous child with a bit of curiosity and the proper know-how could access your files via public Wi-Fi if the connection isn\u2019t secure.<\/p>\n

Free Wi-Fi is Highly Used<\/strong>
\nIt\u2019s natural that a free Internet connection will attract attention from people. That said, the more people who connect to a Wi-Fi network, the slower the connection, and the more likely it is to house a hacker. Hackers understand that free Wi-Fi draws plenty of victims, so they\u2019ll use the convenience to find new targets.<\/p>\n

Data Isn\u2019t Encrypted<\/strong>
\nEncryption adds an extra layer of protection to any data that\u2019s sent to and received across an Internet connection. When routers have encryption, hackers have a more difficult time stealing data. Therefore, you should only connect to routers that have encryption, and it\u2019s unlikely that your run-of-the-mill router at your local restaurant has it.<\/p>\n

What You Can Do<\/strong>
\nYou may not be able to control who secures their public Wi-Fi routers, but you can take steps to protect yourself if you\u2019re ever in the position where you feel you must use it. Here are three best practices for keeping your devices safe while using a public Wi-Fi network:<\/p>\n