It is quite common to find access to free wireless internet networks while in a public place. The number of free wireless hotspots is growing exponentially and the core reason behind the same is to lure customers to the business. While most people enjoy the free services, a good portion of them are totally unknown about the threats that a free internet service may have. Unauthorized access to the users online accounts, loss of valuable data, internet frauds and identity theft are some of the common issues that online surfers often face while accessing an unsafe wireless network.
Internet is a basic need today and no one can refrain using it just to stay safe of all online fraudulent activities. The following are a few tips that can help you protect your privacy and other valuable information in wireless internet network:
Turn Encryption On: Turning on your wireless router’s encryption setting can save you from unauthorized network access to a great extent. In most cases, the encryption feature remains turned off; so when installing the router, remember to turn the encryption on. Though there are numerous encryption type available today, the most effective and popular one is “WPA2”. To turn on the encryption, you need to choose a wireless network password; it is always suggested to choose a longer password with a combination of letters, numbers and symbols.
Turn the Firewall On: Turning on the firewall protects your computer and data from harmful instructions. Wireless routers generally contain built-in firewalls; but sometime service providers shipped the devices with firewalls turned off. To stay safe, always ensure your router’s firewall is turned on.
Change Default Password: To administer the device setting, the manufacturers put a default password, which is different from the password that we use to access the wireless internet network. Before using the device for the first time, change the default password to stay safe. Again, a longer password with a combination of words, letters and symbols are of greater security value.
Turn off Network Name Broadcasting: While broadcasting the network name is beneficial for businesses who want to offer their customers a free wireless internet access, for private users this feature may invite fraudsters to hack your network. Thus, keep your network name broadcasting feature turn off to stay protected.
Run Anti-virus Software: Accessing internet on a device that doesn’t have anti-virus software installed is to make your system prone to malware and virus attacks. Use anti-virus and anti-spyware software on the computers that access your wireless network.
Use HTTPS: In most cases, websites transfer content in plain text, making your network more vulnerable to hacking. However, there are websites that use HTTPS to encrypt the transfer data, but this also cannot guarantee total defense against online threats. A better defense is to enable the “HTTPS Everywhere” plug-in that ensures a secured connectivity with almost all websites.
Internet world is quite unpredictable and no one can give you 100% assurance about a secure wireless internet network. However, a little precaution from the users’ part can help them stay safe online and make them enjoy a better service every time they surf the internet.
Internet is a basic need today and no one can refrain using it just to stay safe of all online fraudulent activities. The following are a few tips that can help you protect your privacy and other valuable information in wireless internet network:
Turn Encryption On: Turning on your wireless router’s encryption setting can save you from unauthorized network access to a great extent. In most cases, the encryption feature remains turned off; so when installing the router, remember to turn the encryption on. Though there are numerous encryption type available today, the most effective and popular one is “WPA2”. To turn on the encryption, you need to choose a wireless network password; it is always suggested to choose a longer password with a combination of letters, numbers and symbols.
Turn the Firewall On: Turning on the firewall protects your computer and data from harmful instructions. Wireless routers generally contain built-in firewalls; but sometime service providers shipped the devices with firewalls turned off. To stay safe, always ensure your router’s firewall is turned on.
Change Default Password: To administer the device setting, the manufacturers put a default password, which is different from the password that we use to access the wireless internet network. Before using the device for the first time, change the default password to stay safe. Again, a longer password with a combination of words, letters and symbols are of greater security value.
Turn off Network Name Broadcasting: While broadcasting the network name is beneficial for businesses who want to offer their customers a free wireless internet access, for private users this feature may invite fraudsters to hack your network. Thus, keep your network name broadcasting feature turn off to stay protected.
Run Anti-virus Software: Accessing internet on a device that doesn’t have anti-virus software installed is to make your system prone to malware and virus attacks. Use anti-virus and anti-spyware software on the computers that access your wireless network.
Use HTTPS: In most cases, websites transfer content in plain text, making your network more vulnerable to hacking. However, there are websites that use HTTPS to encrypt the transfer data, but this also cannot guarantee total defense against online threats. A better defense is to enable the “HTTPS Everywhere” plug-in that ensures a secured connectivity with almost all websites.
Internet world is quite unpredictable and no one can give you 100% assurance about a secure wireless internet network. However, a little precaution from the users’ part can help them stay safe online and make them enjoy a better service every time they surf the internet.
It is better to encrypt your network to avoid cyber attacks.A better encryption is one of the best technique for maintaining the privacy of the user.
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Charlie Electra
Buy Electronic Products
Hey there, first of all thank you so much for this post and honestly I was searching for the same information from last few days. Keep posting and keep sharing.
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