As of: February 2, 2024, 5:18 a.m
By: Patrick Huljina
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Public networks are practical, but also involve risks.
With a few tips, consumers can still surf the WiFi safely at the airport, train station, etc.
Munich – In some countries, public networks are already firmly established.
In Germany, on the other hand, the offer is still limited in some places, although this is increasingly changing.
In numerous cafés, hotels or restaurants, customers have the opportunity to log into public Wi-Fi via a hotspot.
The same applies to public places such as airports, train stations or public transport such as trains.
For smartphone users, a wireless connection via WLAN offers several advantages when on the move: you can save data volume and, in most cases, surf quickly and stably.
However, its use also poses risks for consumers.
Below we have summarized some tips for safe use.
Public WiFi: This is how you can use the networks safely
Consumers should first be aware that connections on public Wi-Fi networks are typically not encrypted.
For example, the consumer advice center warns: “Anyone who is on the same network could get access to your data.”
The Federal Office for Information Security (BSI) shares these concerns: “Data can be accessed and malware can be introduced onto your device.”
To avoid data loss or damage to the device, the BSI recommends only activating the WLAN function when it is actually needed.
Because: “A switched off WLAN does not offer any attack surface.” It is therefore advisable to deactivate the WLAN on your cell phone when you are out and about.
Safe use of public WiFi – pay attention to encrypted websites
Another piece of advice from the consumer advice center for the safe use of public WiFi is to pay attention to encrypted websites.
This generally applies to surfing the Internet, even at home.
Consumers can recognize encrypted websites because the Internet address begins with “https://”.
“The S is the decisive information at this point,” says the consumer advice center.
“Many browsers also indicate encryption with green color or a padlock in the address bar.”
Additionally, it is recommended to disable file or directory sharing on the device you are using before logging into Wi-Fi hotspots.
Otherwise, your device could be visible to other users on the network, which in the worst case could lead to strangers accessing stored files - without the user noticing.
Public Wi-Fi is often used at the airport, among other places, but there are dangers lurking.
(Montage) © IMAGO / Westend61, IMAGO / Panthermedia, Montage
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Tips for public WiFi: Delete saved networks – use VPN
It is also advisable to delete the saved public networks after use.
“Criminals could take advantage of the fact that the name of a WLAN can be freely chosen,” warns the consumer advice center.
Criminals could use a WiFi router that has the same name as the previously connected network.
If this network is still saved, the device could connect automatically.
“If your device connects to such a prepared network, you can be directed to malicious websites, for example, unnoticed.”
The BSI generally advises against accessing confidential data via a third-party or public WiFi network.
“If this is unavoidable, if possible, only do this via a VPN,” the office said.
Many employers offer a VPN (Virtual Private Network) for the secure connection of external employees.
There are also a variety of offers from various Internet providers and service providers for private use.
Caution is advised on public Wi-Fi networks.
However, if you follow the advice above, you can use the free offer without too much concern.
(ph)
The editor wrote this article and then used an AI language model for optimization at his own discretion. All information has been carefully checked.
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