Being able to access our favorite brands online has made shopping easier than ever. Even better, we can use our mobile devices to browse different outlets.
Whether you’re en route to a spa or at an event, it’s possible to pause for a moment and access your go-to stores. You can quickly buy the dress you want or the bag that you’ve been thinking about before going back to what you were doing.
It’s convenient to be able to shop via your mobile devices. But it’s important that you’re aware of the potential security risks that come with using public Wi-Fi.
Shopping on the go
The way we shop has changed over the years. As our smartphones have become savvier, we’re able to buy what we want by accessing an app and clicking through to the checkout.
This type of tech is attractive. It makes life easier in so many ways. In fact, there will be an estimated 7.49 billion mobile users by 2025. This shows how mobile devices are convenient.
With so many people using their devices to get what they want, there’s also the increased possibility of data breaches. Hackers are increasingly aware of how to access our data via public networks. More people using their mobile devices means there are more opportunities for hackers access sensitive information.
Why is public Wi-Fi a risk?
Typically, accessing the internet when we’re at home is secure and easy to connect to. This is a private network and only the people in the property can access it. When you’re beyond the confines of your home, it’s a different situation.
Public Wi-Fi is less secure than your personal, private one. There are a few reasons why this is the case. First, you don't know who set it up. When you’re invited to join a network, you only know that it’s the Wi-Fi used by the place you’re currently standing in.
Also, you don’t know who else is accessing the Wi-Fi. Sure, you might be surrounded by people who legitimately need to use the Wi-Fi to access their apps or internet. But there may be people on the network who are trying to access users’ data. This could be anything from passwords to banking information.
Ideally, you won’t have to use the public Wi-Fi. Instead, you can use your mobile data to access your apps. But sometimes using the Wi-Fi network is unavoidable.
How to keep safe online
It is possible to take steps to make your connection secure while using public Wi-Fi:
Scammers might set up alias network names that look like a genuine Wi-Fi name. If you’re in a hurry, it can be easy to select the dummy version. In order to avoid this, look out for signs that tell customers what to connect to. If these aren’t readily available, ask someone who works for the organization or at customer services. This extra step could be beneficial in the long run.
Adding security to your mobile, such as a VPN and a link scanner that blocks malicious sites, can protect your data. Threat protection on your device can keep your information safe while you browse online.
Network eavesdropping is where hackers look for weaknesses in Wi-Fi security. If a network isn’t encrypted, for example, hackers can intercept the data that’s passing through the unsecured network.
Avoid this by encrypting your mobile network. Also, use a VPN to shield your phone from interception.
