It is more than usual that we have a data plan on the mobile or tablet. In fact, telephone rates are one of the few things that have dropped in price in our country. However, despite having these data, sometimes they end earlier than expected, or simply on a trip, the cost of roaming is excessive to be able to pay for it. It is clear that at that time, public WiFi became one of those services that we all appreciate. But what about the security of these networks? Can we really connect without further risk? Well the answer is a clear no.
Many WiFi networks that are public and open are not with any intention. In fact, they are there for us to use. It is worth remembering the case of Gowex, which offered internet connection services in many Spanish cities and around the world. But other of those networks that seem harmless, in reality are not so much, and by connecting to them without any precautionary measure we may be falling into a not at all positive spiral that can lead us to suffer attacks of various kinds, as well as expose all our records. But what can we do to avoid it? Here we explain it step by step.
Common sense
Common sense is in most cases the key to preserving our security in the online world. And speaking of open and public WiFi connections, we were not going to meet the exception to the norm. Things like what we tell you when we talk about cloud security are what count in all cases. And although they are small details that when we read them we say that we already knew, we do not always put them into practice.
Private networks
But in addition to those basic tips that we do not always put into practice, to achieve safe browsing on public and open WiFi networks, one of the best ideas you can have is the use of those known as private networks. Although in the world of computers they are quite common, in the case of mobile connections they are not so common. And not because there are no accessible tools, but because we trust ourselves more. At the end of the day it is the mobile and not the place where we have all our files. Still, if you do not want to risk it, it is best to bet on them, and a good example of a tool to achieve it without complications in the mobile OS is Spotflux.
Another thing we hardly care about is safe browsing. In almost all browsers we find an option that allows us to do so. But because it doesn’t store passwords and the like, sometimes we just can’t get used to it. Thus, the best to avoid falling into the temptation that our data end up in the hands of I do not know who for not paying attention, there are also options to have this without complicating ourselves further. For example, the HTTPS Everywhere extension allows you to install it as such in the main browsers. And in this case, it’s just a matter of going through the installation process once and then always enjoying it, wherever you are. Sounds good, doesn’t it?
Although perhaps this would have been better to focus it within Common Sense, I remind you that in general those networks with such striking names as free Internet, or the WiFi you wanted, end up being a source of spam and infections that it is better to avoid. So, be suspicious. Always.