Surfing the internet via public WiFi networks
These days, we can hardly get through the day without WiFi. In restaurants, at the campsite, on the train, or at the airport; wherever you are, you will find public WiFi networks. Super convenient for all those public WiFi networks! But can you safely surf the internet via public WiFi networks?
Risks of surfing the internet via public WiFi networks
Not only users of public WiFi networks get twinkles in their eyes as soon as they see that a public WiFi network is available. Hackers also glow from public WiFi networks. Why? Because no authentication is required to connect to a public WiFi network. For hackers, the ideal opportunity is to penetrate unsecured devices connected to the network.
Once the hackers have dug their way inside your devices, they can collect all kinds of information about you. Passwords, the websites you like but even your BNS number, passport details, and bank details are attractive. All this data is worth money or makes money. The hackers are only too happy to see the euro coins flowing into their wallets. You are the perfect tool for that!
Public WiFi networks: from hackers, especially for you
Hackers combined with public WiFi networks are like a kid in a sweet shop. Because there is already a wide range of public WiFi networks available these days, no one notices when one more is added. Hackers love to take advantage of this opportunity!
Creating a public WiFi network takes no time at all. Hackers therefore regularly create their network and give it a name that appears trustworthy. If you are near a restaurant, you might come across a public WiFi network with the name of this restaurant. This seems reliable, so without thinking, you connect to the network. You just don’t know yet that this is a hacker’s network. Therefore, surfing the internet via public WiFi networks is not very safe.
But what exactly is the danger of this? Those who surf the internet via public WiFi networks run the risk that the owner of the network is watching their internet traffic. This is because the owner of a public WiFi network can view the internet traffic of anyone connected to the network. Before you know it, a hacker has a long list of all kinds of information about you. From your favorite online shop to your bank app login details. Nothing is safe anymore!
Hackers send your internet traffic with an extra stopover to the endpoint
Are you 100 percent sure you are connected to the WiFi network of your hotel room or your favorite restaurant? Then be on your guard too!
Hackers lurk everywhere, but everywhere. Hackers can make internet traffic sent over a public WiFi network make an extra stop. This is not just an extra stop, but a stop along the hacker’s path. This way, the hacker gets to see the content of all internet traffic before the internet continues its journey to its original endpoint.
Hackers infect your device with malware via public WiFi networks
Another risk of surfing the internet via public WiFi networks is that hackers can infect your device with malware (malicious software). How do they do this? By sharing files with your device without you realizing it. To do this, your device’s settings must allow file sharing from another network. If this is not the case, the party will not go ahead with the hacker.
Some hackers go the extra mile. They know how to compromise an existing network. For example, the hackers make sure a pop-up appears on your screen allowing you to upgrade your connection. If you click on the link, your connection will not improve but all kinds of malware will be installed on your device. For the hackers a big gain, and for you a big loss. Therefore, surfing the Internet via public WiFi networks is not without some risks!
This is how to safely surf the internet over public WiFi networks
All the risks of surfing the internet via public WiFi networks make it clear why it is important to protect yourself properly. We will never get rid of hackers completely, but if we all do our utmost to make it as difficult as possible for them, together we will go a long way!
Don’t need WiFi anymore? Then turn it off!
To minimize the chances of hackers breaking into your devices via public WiFi networks, it makes sense to turn off WiFi as soon as you no longer need it. Even if you are not using the network yourself, your device communicates with the network. Quite a shame if you fall victim to a hacker without effectively using the public WiFi network.
Only connect to safe websites
To use public WiFi networks more securely, connect only to websites that use an HTTPS connection.
Some websites use an HTTP connection whereas other websites use an HTTPS connection. Do you see in your browser’s address bar that a website starts with HTTPS? Then this means that this website is extra secure. Yet another way to surf safely over public WiFi networks!
Use a VPN connection
A VPN connection is a good solution for those who want to surf safely via public WiFi networks. When you use a VPN connection, a secure connection is created between you and the internet. This secure connection makes it no longer possible for hackers to watch your internet traffic from the outside. Ideal!
The only way hackers can still get inside the secure connection is if you include the hacker in the connection. Hackers can, for example, install malware on your device that allows the hacker to access the VPN connection. It is, therefore, necessary to do something about this quickly. But how do you know that you are taking a hacker inside the VPN connection? To find out, you can use a cyber-attack detection program!
Use a cyber-attack detection program
Want to be notified immediately as soon as the hacker installs malware on your device? Then use a cyber attack detection program. These programs monitor your internet traffic day in and day out, day and night, to check for malware installed on your device. As soon as the program detects a malware, you will immediately receive a notification. This way, you can take immediate action and continue surfing the internet via public WiFi networks.
Do not share personal information via public WiFi networks
Personal information is what hackers are largely interested in. At the end of the day, this information provides them with a big loot. Of course, we want to avoid that.
To make sure hackers are less likely to get their hands on your personal information, you should avoid sharing this data while connected. After all, data that is not sent cannot be intercepted by hackers.
Safe internet on public WiFi networks with GOOSE VPN
Can’t wait to surf safely via public WiFi networks? Then GOOSE VPN is your best friend. GOOSE VPN is a Dutch provider of VPN connections. GOOSE VPN connections are reliable and incredibly easy to use, as well as affordable! So everyone can safely surf the internet via public WiFi networks!
VPN connections are not the only thing you can find at GOOSE VPN. Besides VPN connections, GOOSE VPN also offers GOOSE VPN’s Cyber Alarm. The Cyber Alarm is a cyber attack detection program that monitors your internet traffic and sounds the alarm as soon as malware is detected on your device. If the hackers do succeed in detecting malware on your device, you will be quick off the mark!
Sign up to GOOSE VPN now
Sign up now to GOOSE VPN with a 30-day money-back guarantee. So from now on, you can surf the internet on public WiFi networks with peace of mind. Who doesn’t want that?