Seven expert tips for keeping your information safe

At a time when free public Wi-Fi networks, available virtually everywhere on the planet, have become the most convenient method to connect, people are more susceptible than ever to cyberattacks.

Following the growing number of data theft cases in Latin America, Microsoft Argentina offers a series of recommendations to avoid falling into technological traps.

Cybercriminals spy on networks and attempt to intercept data transferred over these links. Thus, you can access other people’s banking credentials, account passwords, and valuable information.

Using public Wi-Fi, users expose their online activity and personal data, via computers or mobile phones, to a variety of threats including espionage, distribution of malware and even bitcoin mining.

the seven keys

Given this scenario, Microsoft Argentina has prepared a list with the top seven (7) recommendations so that all people can protect their information and devices when accessing a public Wi-Fi network:

Check the connection. When accessing the Wi-Fi of a hotel, cafeteria, airport library you should verify the exact name of the network with an employee to avoid deception.

Connect to an encrypted network. These networks take a little more work to connect because you’ll usually need to enter a password. Although it is essential to have this level of security, especially in public places.

Shopping under the magnifying glass. For both adults and children, it’s easy to get distracted and sucked into online offers. It’s not uncommon to be tempted to buy something, not realizing that your personal information might be at risk.

Before placing the card, it is convenient to make sure that the site offers the minimum guarantees in the purchase.

Disable automatic connection to Wi-Fi. If the phone automatically connects to surrounding networks, users can disable this feature in their settings. It is essential to avoid connecting to unknown or dubious networks.

When done, turn off the WI-FI. Computers or phones can still transmit data even when they’re not in use. It is important to ensure that the network’s Wi-Fi has been turned off after use.

Avoid financial transactions. If the only available connection is a public network, it is important to avoid transactions that involve a high degree of confidentiality.

This consideration includes banking operations, purchases or any type of activity that requires the use of passwords or credit cards or social security numbers.

It is best to wait until you reach a secure network to perform this type of personal transaction and use a secure browser.

Search for HTTPS. Fake or unsafe websites will not have the “s” enabled in their address. Also, you need to see the little padlock icon in the address bar to confirm a secure connection.

Even those who take all possible safety precautions could run into problems. Therefore, it is essential to have a robust Internet security solution installed on all computers.

These solutions continuously scan all files on the device for malware. Understanding the risks of Wi-Fi will prevent business and personal data from becoming part of another hacking statistic.