Airport WiFi provides you with the convenience of accessing the Internet while you wait for your flight. It is a great way to spend your time at the airport and browse the internet as you wait through minor scheduling delays. However, since airport WiFi is a public network used by thousands of people simultaneously to access the internet, it comes with its fair share of security risks. It is not considered safe when compared to home networks. Here are some tips to help you stay safe when using airport WiFi.
Use a Quality VPN
No matter which public WiFi network you use, whether airport WiFi or restaurant WiFi, a VPN can help you stay safe on all public WiFi networks. It does so by encrypting the data that you send over the network, making it nearly impossible for hackers or anyone else to intercept your data or see what you are doing on the network.
So, to stay safe while using airport WiFi, use a VPN service that has military-grade encryption, which will keep your device and data protected. A VPN is such an invaluable tool for staying safe that most people recommend using it even while using Delta Free WiFi on your flight.
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Disable the Feature to Join the Network Automatically
Most people have their mobile devices and laptops automatically configured to join new WiFi networks. This is something that you should disable while traveling to airports and other public areas because you never know which public WiFi network is safe and legitimate and which isn’t. This feature can be disabled through the WiFi settings of your mobile devices or the Network and Internet Settings of your laptop.
Confirm That the Network Is Legitimate
The next point is similar to the previous one: always confirm the name of the WiFi network with staff. It has become so common that hackers are trying to use the same or a similar name to the airport’s WiFi network to lure in passengers. Most people cannot distinguish between a legitimate airport network and a disguised look-alike network.
Therefore, you should confirm the network name with the airport staff and also make sure that the network you joined has a login page through which you can access the internet, as most legit networks, be it in-flight WiFi networks like United Airlines WiFi or an airport WiFi, come with a sign in page where you have to sign in and afterward, you can use the internet.
Avoid Entering Personal and Sensitive Information
You might have read about this suggestion everywhere, and we are going to say it again: avoid entering personal and sensitive data on any public network while you are traveling. When you are in a public space, just do regular web browsing or social media. Avoid performing tasks like online banking or making transactions that can put your sensitive information at risk. In an emergency, just use your mobile data, as it is more secure than unprotected airport WiFi.
Install an Antivirus Program
An antivirus program can be a great addition to staying safe while traveling and using airport WiFi. Antivirus software can detect and block malware in real time to keep your device and data protected. Before you leave for the airport, install reputable antivirus software and ensure that it is enabled to keep you protected against viruses and malware.
Lastly, if you doubt, just use your mobile hotspot instead of airport WiFi or subscribe to your flight’s inflight WiFi service. Although no connection is 100% foolproof, your mobile network or in-flight WiFi is generally considered more secure than an unsecured public WiFi network. This will only work with valid mobile data or in-flight WiFi subscriptions.
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