How to Stay Safe While Using Wi-Fi

Public Wi-Fi networks, hotels, coffee shops, restaurants, airport and etc. are not as safe as you think. Even if they have a password, you are sharing a network with tens of other people. It means your data is at risk. It’s very easy for someone who wants to steal your data to set up a network called "Free Wi-Fi" to make you think it’s a legitimate source.

If you want to keep your information and files secure, take a look at these major tips for protecting yourself

• Turn Off Sharing
  If you are using Windows, make sure to turn off file sharing and mark the Wi-Fi connection as a public network. You can find this option in the Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center > Change Advanced Sharing Settings. Under the Public heading, turn off the file sharing toggle. In OS X: Go to System Preferences > Sharing and make sure all the boxes are unchecked.
• Use secure connection whenever possible (HTTPS and SSL)
  Users should make sure any website they’re using though Wi-Fi spot has "https" at the beginning. It means your traffic is encrypted and it’s much harder for a hacker to steal your data.
• Keep your browsers and internet apps up to date with the latest versions.
  

  It’s important to ensure your firewall, antivirus and malware apps are up-to-date, as well as your operating system.

• Be careful with online shopping, banking and e-mailing while using public Wi-Fi.
• Don’t connect to your email, don’t shop online, don’t do any e-commerce actions unless you’re sure you trust your connection.
• Disable Wi-Fi when you aren’t using it.
  

  The more you stay connected, the more chances are for your system to be attacked by hackers. Besides that, you can save your battery life.

• Use Antivirus and Anti-spyware software and Firewall while connecting public Wi-Fi spots.
  

  Protect yourself from malicious popups, fishing attacks, unknown toolbars in your browser, cookie-based attacks with the reliable antivirus and anti-spyware tools.

• Use two-factor authentication.
  

  It’s one of the most security steps. Two-factor authentication is an excellent feature that asks for a bit more than just your password. It requires like a password and something else, for example, your phone number. After you enter the password, you’ll get a SMS sent to your phone as the second code to enter. Enable this feature for Gmail, Facebook, Twitter and other social networks you are using.

• Use VPN
  

  VPN is the best way to protect privacy and identity online. VPN routes your traffic through a secure network even on public Wi-Fi. It encrypts the traffic and creates a secure connection between you and the websites you are visiting. If you are at airport and using public Wi-Fi with VPN, all of your traffic will be encrypted, so nobody using the same Wi-Fi will be able to read your data or any messages you sent.

One of the best VPN solutions is Trust.Zone VPN service provider.

Trust.Zone VPN hides your real IP address, secures and encrypts your internet connection. It guarantees your anonymity while browsing over the Internet.

Trust.Zone VPN offers free and paid subscriptions, which start from 2.33$/mo.