Connecting to public Wi-Fi and hotspots

Anyone can create a free Wi-Fi hotspot, including cybercriminals. Wi-Fi and hotspot names are not unique, and they can be reused by anyone. A cybercriminal may try to take advantage of this by copying and posing as a legitimate hotspot.

Ensure you are connecting to the hotspot you intend. You can do this by:

• Checking the hotspot’s name on signage, or directly with staff at the venue.
• Preventing your device from automatically connecting to the hotspot. Disable features such as “auto-join” or “auto connect” for public hotspots.
• Where possible, choose hotspots that require a password. Try to avoid “open” or “unsecure” networks.
• As an extra precaution, ‘forget’ the network in your Wi-Fi settings after you have finished using it. This will prevent your device automatically reconnecting in the future.
• If in doubt, do not connect to the hotspot. Instead, wait until you can use a trusted network such as your home, office or mobile connection.

When a webpage is secure, the information that you send to it is encrypted and cannot be intercepted and read by cybercriminals. You can check that a webpage is secure by:

• Looking for ‘https’ and the lock symbol in the address bar on your web browser.
• Ensure that the webpage is what you expect. If your browser displays a warning message when you try to visit a website, do not continue. Stop using the hotspot, disconnect, and ‘forget’ it on your device.

Some devices may allow your files to be shared over Wi-Fi, which can be useful when you are at home or work. When connecting to public Wi-Fi, ensure you switch off file sharing. This will prevent a cybercriminal from potentially accessing your files, or putting malicious files on your device.

These features can vary depending on your device. To learn more about the different types of sharing options on your device, see Microsoft’s guidance for Windows and Apple’s guidance for Mac.

When joining a new Wi-Fi hotspot, you may be asked to select if a network is public or private, ensure you select public. This will also automatically disable file sharing.

Public Wi-Fi hotspots cannot always be trusted. Reconsider your need to access sensitive information, such as your online banking. If possible, wait until you are using a secure home, office or mobile connection.

A virtual private network (VPN) is a service that encrypts and secures your data when using the internet. It acts as an extra layer of protection when using public Wi-Fi hotspots. If you use public Wi-Fi hotspots frequently, install and use a reputable VPN service on your device.

When considering which VPN service to use, research each product and its company. VPN providers have access to a large amount of their user’s data, so it is important to know about their privacy policy, how they store information, and if they share it. Look at independent reviews online to make an informed, secure decision.