Which of the following is safe to do over public WiFi on everfi?

Staying Safe on Public Wi-Fi: Know the Risks and Protect Yourself

Free public Wi-Fi is a tempting perk in coffee shops, airports, and hotels, offering a convenient way to stay connected on the go. While it’s generally safe for casual browsing, understanding the inherent risks is crucial for protecting your personal information. Knowing what’s safe to do on these networks and what activities should be avoided can make all the difference in preventing cybercrime and keeping your data secure.

Generally, activities like browsing websites, checking social media, or streaming music are considered relatively safe on public Wi-Fi. These activities typically involve encrypted connections (look for “https” in the website address) which offer a layer of protection against eavesdropping. However, even with encryption, it’s wise to avoid accessing sensitive personal information, like healthcare portals or anything requiring your social security number, even on secure sites. The network itself can still be compromised.

The real danger with public Wi-Fi lies in transmitting sensitive financial data. Avoid online banking, online shopping, or accessing any website that requires your credit card information or login credentials for financial accounts. Public networks often lack strong security measures, leaving you vulnerable to “man-in-the-middle” attacks, where hackers intercept data transmitted between your device and the website. Imagine a thief listening in on a phone call – that’s essentially what can happen on an unsecured network.

Even seemingly harmless activities can carry risks. Avoid accessing work emails or file-sharing services on public Wi-Fi. Your company’s data could be compromised, and you could inadvertently expose sensitive information.

Here’s a simple breakdown of what’s generally considered safe and unsafe on public Wi-Fi:

Safe (with caution):

• Browsing news websites and blogs
• Checking social media
• Streaming music or videos
• Reading online articles

Unsafe:

• Online banking and financial transactions
• Online shopping
• Accessing work emails or files
• Logging into any account with sensitive personal information (healthcare portals, government websites, etc.)

Tips for maximizing your safety on public Wi-Fi:

• Use a VPN: A Virtual Private Network (VPN) creates a secure, encrypted connection, shielding your data from prying eyes.
• Enable your device’s firewall: This adds another layer of protection against unauthorized access.
• Keep your software updated: Regular updates patch security vulnerabilities, making it harder for hackers to exploit your device.
• Log out of accounts when finished: Don’t stay logged in to any website, especially those containing sensitive information.
• Be wary of fake Wi-Fi hotspots: Hackers sometimes create fake hotspots with names similar to legitimate ones. Double-check the network name with the establishment providing the Wi-Fi.

Public Wi-Fi can be a useful tool, but remember that convenience shouldn’t come at the cost of your security. By understanding the risks and taking appropriate precautions, you can enjoy the benefits of staying connected while protecting your valuable information.