Pretty much everybody in today’s world has internet access in their home because you need it for a lot of things. Accessing the internet or WiFi in your house or at your office is not a problem, it is easy and secure because you know who set it up and you have a password that goes with it. On top of all that it is usually faster as there are not too many people using it.
Nowadays you can connect to WiFi pretty much anywhere you go, whether it is a restaurant’s private connection or a public hotspot, which is very useful if you want to try your hand at online gambling visit OntarioCasinos.com for the best online casino guides. But there are drawbacks that come with public networks. With a public network, the internet speed is usually slower as there are a lot of people using it, and also sometimes you might not be able to connect at all. But the main drawback of a public network is the security risk because it is very easy to access your data.
Nowadays a hacker can easily release malware or get a hold of your data if you are connected to a public network but there are some ways you can manage this risk and keep yourself protected.
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Use HTTPS Connections
There are two types of encryption when it comes to connections, there is HTTP or an unencrypted connection, and HTTPS or an encrypted connection. Nowadays Google Chrome and Safari both tell you when a website is not secure. You get a warning in the search bar which says Not Secure. Make sure to always stick with websites that are secure and have an HTTPS connection, especially when you are connected to public WiFi. A person connected to the same WiFi as you can easily view your data when you are using an HTTP connection. Make sure to check this to ensure your safety.
Use a VPN Connection
The best tip for staying safe when using a public network is to use a VPN. A VPN encrypts online traffic and also hides your online identity. Connecting to a VPN is very easy whether you are on a phone or a laptop, you simply download the VPN provider you choose and then click connect, some VPNs allow you to choose servers, so it can make it look like you are browsing from a different country. A VPN is a smart thing to use not just when on a public network but a private one also, it is taking the extra step to make sure you are safe and protected when online.
Know What Network to Connect to
This is the simplest and easiest way to stay safe in a public connection. Know what network you connect to, nowadays when you are walking through town or a mall there are dozens of open networks that pop up. But it is important to connect only to the networks that you know are trusted and probably safe. For example, connect only to Starbucks WiFi or the restaurant’s WiFi, or a mall’s official WiFi. Don’t connect to a random connection that pops up, because you don’t know who set it up and if it is safe. Simply put, stick to the things you know and trust.
These were just some of the tips and ways to protect yourself and stay safe on public WiFi. There are plenty of steps and countermeasures you can take to ensure that you and all of your data and information are safe at all times. Public WiFi-s can be very dangerous, which is why it is important to take some of these steps and to know what network to connect to. The most important thing is that you and your data are safe.