Public Wi-Fi

How does Wi-Fi work?

Wi-Fi uses radio waves to provide network connectivity. The computer should include a wireless adapter that will translate data sent into a radio signal. This same signal will be transmitted, via an antenna, to a decoder known as the router. Once decoded, the data will be sent to the internet through a wired Ethernet connection. As the wireless network works as a two-way traffic, the data received from the internet will also pass through the router to be coded into a radio signal that will be received by the computer’s wireless adapter. Approximately 24.7% of Wi-Fi hotspots in the world do not use any encryption at all.

Where do we see public Wi-Fi?

Airport, restaurant, hotel, etc.

Why it can be dangerous?

• The biggest threat to free Wi-Fi security is the ability for the hacker to position himself between you and the connection point.
• Fake public Wi-Fi (very similar name, but fake)
• Possibly contains Malware
• Without password means unencrypted.
• When it comes to “personal” WPA2 attacks, the situation is similar to that of WPA and mostly depends on the strength of the password set by the hotspot owner.

What can we do to protect ourselves?

• Ask employee what the actual Wi-Fi is and what is the password.
• When connect to public Wi-Fi, have the file sharing system turn off.— Otherwise, hackers can distribute malware to you.
• When connecting to public Wi-Fi, connect a VPN (Virtual Private Network) first. This will encrypt message.
• Log out of any opened account.
• Turn off auto-connect to Wi-Fi. — especially laptop.
• Do NOT log into financial accounts