Using public wireless networks

Public WiFi ‘hotspots’ in places like cafés, airports, hotels and libraries are convenient but unlike your home computer you don’t know what security these networks have or who else may be connected.

Wireless enabled laptops or smartphones allow you to easily connect to the internet no matter where you are. The increasing availability of public WiFi ‘hotspots’ make getting using them to get online simple.

These networks are often not secured and are there is likely to be other people using them at the same time. There is a risk that another user on the network could monitor your activity, steal your data or infect your computer with malicious software.

Because of the added risks you should take additional care about what you do online.

Top tips

Be careful about which hotspots you use. Avoid using hotspots that are run by people you don’t know or trust. Criminals can set up hotspots known as ‘evil twins’ and ‘rogue hotspots’ to steal users’ information.
Install and use anti-virus, anti-spyware and firewall software. Keep them activated and up-to-date.
Make sure no-one is watching you. By simply looking over your shoulder, someone could steal personal information.
If you can’t connect securely using a VPN, then consider avoiding online banking or shopping. You should also avoid any sites that require you to enter passwords or sending confidential email.
Encrypt sensitive information. If you keep personal or financial information on your computer, consider taking steps to encrypt and protect sensitive files and folders.
Disable wireless networking when you are not using it.

Fact sheets and resources

video placeholder 3 Smart behaviors to protect your personal and financial information – watch our video on protecting your personal and financial information. A text transcript is also available.

Be careful about which hotspots you use

Avoid using hotspots that are run by people you don’t know or trust. Criminals can set up hotspots known as ‘evil twins’ and ‘rogue hotspots’ to steal users’ information.

Use encrypted (password protected) networks. Encrypted networks are wireless networks that require you to log in with a password to use them. Choose networks with WPA2 and WPA encryption if they are available, because they are more secure than other types of encryption.

Connect using the right network type

When you connect to a WiFi network many devices will prompt you to enter a network type (‘home’, ‘work’ or ‘pubic’). Always connect as ‘public’ when you connect to a public WiFi network as this will lock down the connection more securely.

Use a virtual private network (VPN) if possible

Many companies and organisations have a virtual private network (VPN). VPNs allow employees to connect securely to their office network. VPNs encrypt connections at the sending and receiving ends and keep out traffic that is not properly encrypted.

If a VPN is available to you, make sure you log onto it any time you need to use a public wireless access point.

Be aware of your surroundings

Because you’re likely to have an unsecured, unencrypted network connection when you use a public wireless access point, be careful about what you do online—there’s always the chance that another user on the network could be monitoring your activity.

If you can’t connect securely using a VPN, then consider avoiding:

online banking or shopping
sending confidential email
entering passwords or credit card details unless using a secure website.

Secure your information

Do not send passwords or credit card details. Criminals using the wireless network can steal them. If you must make sensitive transactions, only use secure websites. Look at the web address for https:// instead of http:// and look for a locked padlock or key in the browser window.
Encrypt sensitive information. If you keep personal or financial information on your computer, consider taking steps to encrypt and protect sensitive files and folders. Check your computer operating system’s help section to find out how to do this.
Disable wireless networking when you are not using it. Whenever you are connected to the internet, criminals can try to attack your mobile device and steal your information. Reduce their opportunities to do this by turning off your device’s WiFi when you are not using it.

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