How to stay safe using public Wi-Fi

You can connect to Wi-Fi in many public places: cafeterias, hotels, restaurants, airports, and even public transport. But often, these open networks are not secure. Whether you're using a laptop, tablet, or smartphone, your connection should keep your data as secure as possible. There are at least four simple steps you can take to keep your data safe when using open public Wi-Fi networks.

Turn on firewall

It will protect your computer from viruses and intruders.

V Windows firewall is enabled by default. However, if you are unsure, go to Control Panel → Windows Firewall and make sure it is enabled.

V macOS a similar path: "System Settings" → "Protection and Security" → "Firewall".

Disable distribution

If your laptop is configured for automatic file sharing (for example, sharing your iTunes music library) or you are using remote access to it on your home network, you should disable these settings before connecting to public Wi-Fi.

To get to the network settings that need to be changed, in Windows open "Control Panel" → "Network and Sharing Center". Then, in the left pane, click Change Advanced Sharing Settings.

Public Wi-Fi. Disable Serving on Windows

To turn off distribution in macOS, go to System Preferences → Sharing and turn off file sharing.

Public Wi-Fi. Disabling seeding on macOS

Install the browser extension

Public Wi-Fi. HTTPS Everywhere Extension

The extension provides a secure connection while visiting sites such as Yahoo, eBay, Amazon and others. It is also possible to create your own XML configuration file to add sites that are not on the above list, which you find not very secure. This extension is available for Chrome and Firefox and works with Windows, macOS and Linux.

Use a VPN to connect to an access point

Unfortunately, not all sites and search engines provide encrypted protection using the Secure Socket Layer (SSL) protocol. This makes data passing through public Wi-Fi networks available to third parties.

It might be worth considering connecting to public Wi-Fi hotspots using a VPN server. In this case, information is transmitted in encrypted form, which makes it inaccessible to intruders. Therefore, virtual private networks (VPNs) are a useful tool when working with public Wi-Fi hotspots.

One such VPN is proXPN, which is free in its basic version. However, the bandwidth of your connection will be limited. Full speed, as well as a number of additional features can be obtained in the premium account (from $ 6, 25 per month). ProXPN runs on Windows, macOS, there is also a mobile version for smartphones and tablets.

The installation process is very simple: you need to create an account, install proXPN and log into your account.

As an alternative to proXPN, consider CyberGhost, Your Freedom, or Hotspot Shield, for example. Users of the free version are also limited in the number of VPN sites, time and connection speed, and the price of a premium account starts at one dollar per month.

On the other hand, you may be fine with five hours of work available for continuous connection, for example with a free Spotflux account.