Top 10 Security Tips for using a Public / Shared Wi-Fi Service

At Broadstone Business Centre we have offices, workshops and storage to rent or lease.

Now, all our lovely tenants can enjoy free high-speed Wi-Fi. Great!

Our Wi-Fi *is* password protected. If you don’t have the password, you can’t use it.

But it’s still a shared service. All our tenants can use it to access or interact with a wide variety of services using a wide variety of devices (phones, PCs, tablets, printers, wearables, etc.).

It makes sense to take at least some basic precautions to improve the security and/or visibility of your devices and software.

Here are our Top 10 Tips. Not all will be relevant or necessary for one or all of your devices. If you’re not sure, ask an expert!

  1. Use a VPN: A Virtual Private Network (VPN) encrypts your internet connection, making it more secure and less susceptible to hackers. Make sure to use a reliable and reputable VPN service.
  2. Enable HTTPS: Whenever possible, use websites and services that employ HTTPS, which encrypts your data during transmission. You can also use browser extensions, such as HTTPS Everywhere, to force HTTPS on sites that support it.
  3. Disable file sharing: Turn off file and printer sharing options on your device to prevent unauthorized access to your files.
  4. Update software: Keep your device’s operating system, software, and antivirus programs up-to-date to protect against known security vulnerabilities.
  5. Enable a firewall: Use a firewall to block unauthorized access to your device. Most operating systems have a built-in firewall that you can enable in the settings.
  6. Be cautious with sensitive data: Avoid accessing sensitive information like online banking, credit card transactions, or entering passwords on public Wi-Fi networks. If you must access such information, use a secure VPN connection.
  7. Use strong, unique passwords: Use a strong, unique password for each of your accounts, and change them periodically. Password managers can help you create and manage secure passwords.
  8. Verify the Wi-Fi network: Before connecting to a public Wi-Fi network, confirm the network name (SSID) and security settings with a trusted source, such as the network provider or venue staff, to avoid connecting to a rogue hotspot.
  9. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA): Use 2FA on your accounts for an extra layer of security. This requires an additional verification step, such as a text message or an authentication app, when logging in.
  10. Turn off Wi-Fi when not in use: When you’re not using the Wi-Fi, disable it on your device to prevent unauthorized connections.

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