The number of public Wi-Fi security myths out there only contribute to the ability of hackers to hack. So many people out there are only worried about whether or not they can get free Wi-Fi, but they are not worried about what they are giving up. Wi-Fi security is a concern across the world because hackers are setting up public hotspots that allow them to hack.
Let’s look at the worst public Wi-Fi security miss people believe. Once we debunk them, you will know what to watch out for as you protect yourself wherever you end up traveling.
Public Wi-Fi security myths
Wi-Fi security myth #1: Password protection makes it safe
It is estimated that nearly 25% of all public Wi-Fi hotspots have no encryption. This means that it is completely unsecured. It doesn’t matter how many passwords you enter at this point; if there is no encryption, there is no Wi-Fi security. Any hacker who wants to snoop your traffic is free to do so. It’s possible that a hacker has even set up your Wi-Fi connection.
Google's guest Wi-Fi uses no encryption and doesn't appear to have any posted T&Cs or AUP. It's probably fine.
— Darien Graham-Smith (@DarienGS) March 10, 2017
The way that you are going to protect yourself is by getting your own encryption. Tools such as IPVanish and HideMyAss are perfect as they offer features that will protect you on any unsecured Wi-Fi network. All that you have to do is connect to them as soon as you connect to the Wi-Fi, and you will be protected from snooping hackers.
Wi-Fi security myth #2: Paid Wi-Fi hotspots are safe
Aren’t you going to feel foolish when you pay to use a hotspot that was set up by a hacker? They’re going to get your money when you pay them, and at the same time, they’re going to steal your information. They got you twice.
The only Wi-Fi security that you get from a paid hotspot is the security that you have paid money. This, as you can guess, is absolutely no security at all. You need to take the same precaution as you are doing above with a
Wi-Fi security myth #3: Antivirus software protects you
Yes, antivirus software offers protection… from viruses. Unfortunately, such tools do absolutely nothing to protect you from data spies. Hackers do not operate solely through viruses; they have other means of stealing your data.
Wi-fi housekeeping:
✅Enable firewall.
✅Enable WPA2 encryption.
✅Disable guest networks.
✅Disable "Broadcast SSID" to hide network.#resist— Pagan Chair Skis (@3lfs3lf) February 5, 2017
This includes those who are doing Evil Twin Wi-Fi hacks. This is when a hacker sets up a Wi-Fi hotspot with no security. They commonly do this in public settings and give it an enticing “Free Wi-Fi” name. You then connect to it, thinking your antivirus protects you from downloading anything harmful. But in reality, you are allowing your data to be stolen.
Wi-Fi security myth #4: Your signing credentials are safe
There are two sides to this myth. One is when you are signing into a Wi-Fi network, and you think that you can use the same login and password that you have used countless times to access your accounts. This is pretty much the unsafest thing you can do with regards to Wi-Fi security. Hackers love it when you give away login information like this, and they can steal and use it to hack your other accounts.
The other side of this Wi-Fi security myth is that you think you can sign in to your social media, bank, and work accounts, thinking they are all protected. Some of these sites are going to have HTTPS protection while some are not. Will you be paying attention to this difference at all times? Hackers are hoping that you are not.
Wi-Fi security myth #5: Secure Wi-Fi is better than 4G
With all of the scary stuff above about Wi-Fi, it tends to lead people to think that their 4G connection is completely safe. While it is a much safer option, the police are using stingray devices to track 4G communications. This is a major concern for anyone who participates in a protest.
?Deep State?
Map of police use of stingray devices to track Americans’ phoneshttps://t.co/UgCKLfkhMw— ❌MCCNP ™❌ (@MCCNP) April 11, 2017
If you’re going to be doing something that’s absolutely risky or that you don’t want the authorities to find out about your activities, then you should use an end-to-end encrypted messaging app. I’m not encouraging illegal behavior, but then neither were those who are struggling against apartheid and other forms of repression.
Public Wi-Fi security is not guaranteed
There are absolutely no guarantees when it comes to a public Wi-Fi that you connect to. If you do not control the network, you do not have any guarantees of safety. What’s even worse, up to 25% of the networks out there have absolutely no security whatsoever.
Using a