All I've been hearing lately is how a smart TV can be hacked and then used to monitor and record what you're doing. Or how almost any Internet-connected smartphone can be infected and used to send your private information, including credit card data and family photos, to someone else. Unfortunately, these threats are very real, and people who use open Wi-Fi networks are at a much greater risk of getting their devices infected.
That's why it's a good idea to avoid using public networks whenever you can. For security reasons, I don't ever use open wireless connections when I'm shopping, for example, no matter if I'm at an airport, or in a restaurant. I choose to buy things online only when I'm at home, where I can use my trusty Internet connection.
Hackers love open Wi-Fi networks, because they make it a lot easier for them to steal people's online banking information, social media passwords, emails, and all sorts of other personal data. They could even get access to your devices' video or audio calls and then record them.
Luckily, there are a few things that can be done to protect your private information. Here are several field-tested tips that you can use to protect your data while being connected to a public Wi-Fi network.
1. Be aware of the people around you.
Most wireless connections have a limited range, so hackers need to be near you to access your data. Always keep an eye on individuals nearby who have laptops and seem to use them actively.
2. Don't download anything.
Yes, you may get bored to death while you're waiting in a long line, but don't download that new app or game everyone's been talking about. If you are connected to an open network, hackers may be able to hijack your browser, and then make you download their malware instead.
It goes without saying that you shouldn't ever download apps from unknown or suspicious sources. The official app stores have enough problems on their own, and let's not forget that any new app that's uploaded to those stores is strictly monitored! If you can't find the application you need in Google's Play Store or Apple's App Store, it's best to avoid installing it.
One more thing: try to stay away from free apps. Most of them are free because they bombard you with ads, and some of the sites that serve those ads can get infected as well. It's best to pay for the app you like, and thus support its developers, keep your device clean, improve phone battery life, and more.
3. Don't open anything.
Be very careful about opening documents, or clicking links in emails or text messages that you were not expecting. Most viruses are disguised as useful/funny/interesting files, which will download, and then run malware on your devices afterwards.
4. Use a mobile antivirus.
There are quite a few free antiviruses out there, but most of them don't include a real-time malware protection module. It's best to invest $20/year or so into a good antivirus application, which should be able to stop most threats at bay.
5. Consider using a virtual private network (VPN).
A paid-for VPN service can be used to hide your location and protect you from attackers. It creates a secure, closed network, which will isolate your device from the other ones on the open network. Stay away from free VPNs, though; most of them don't offer reliable protection, and some of these apps may have been created by hackers who want to get access to other people's personal data.