Experts recommend 7 ways to use free wifi safely

Currently, free wifi systems are equipped in many public places to serve the Internet needs of users. Free wifi is also used by many people to perform tasks that require network connection, including using this network to log into bank accounts, pay bills, etc.

Using free wifi poses many security risks.

However, according to technology experts, this poses many security risks that users can hardly foresee.

In fact, there have been many cases where users have had money stolen from their bank accounts when making transactions using this free wifi system.

The most recent case is that of Ms. NTL (living in Hoang Mai, Hanoi). The victim said that she used free wifi at a coffee shop to pay for the order. However, after the account reported that the value of the item was deducted, there were consecutive orders to deduct the money, while Ms. L. did not make any more purchases.

The victim immediately called the bank to lock the account, then tried to get a statement. However, the lost money could not be recovered because the bank had confirmed the transfer order with the correct password and OTP.

7 ways to use free wifi safely

Talking to PV of Dai Doan Ket Newspaper, security expert Ngo Minh Hieu - National Cyber Security Monitoring Center said that when using public wifi, users can be attacked by hackers or hackers. Hackers can set up a fake wifi network, like a real public wifi network, to collect users' personal information.

“When users connect to this fake wifi network, hackers can monitor and record all of the user's online activities, including login information and passwords of bank accounts and social network accounts - through the hacker's navigation using fake websites or malicious software applications created by the hacker,” said Mr. Hieu.

In addition, according to experts, hackers can also use other methods such as Man-in-the-Middle (MITM) attacks to steal personal information. In a MITM attack, the hacker "stands between" the user and the public wifi access point, can monitor and change the information sent and received between the two parties without being detected. This allows hackers to steal users' personal information.

Experts recommend users to follow 7 cybersecurity measures:

1. Avoid using public wifi to access websites containing sensitive information such as bank accounts, personal emails, credit card information... If necessary, use mobile networks or VPN (Virtual private network) to access websites or applications. Or better yet, use 4G or 5G networks for more security and personalization.

2. Always check if the wifi network you are connecting to is the official wifi network of that location. If in doubt, contact the venue staff to confirm the official wifi network.

3. Use websites with HTTPS addresses instead of HTTP when accessing sensitive websites. The HTTPS protocol uses encryption to protect information transmitted between users and websites.

4. Update and use anti-virus software and firewalls to protect your device from malware and external attacks.

5. Do not use important passwords or sensitive personal information when using public wifi.

6. Turn off file and printer sharing on your device when using public wifi.

7. Always set up 2-step security for social media and banking accounts...

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