The airport is one of the busiest places that people will encounter on their holidays and for many of them wait around to get online. Therefore, the airports offer the perfect opportunity to achieve the requirements of the users. With these airports free Wi-Fi internet service, peoples can check their email, send out the report, and even also can pay for those last-minute bills.
But do you know that an airport can be about the least secure place to connect to the web? And, with your online movements, someone can steal your identity or empty your bank accounts or risk your personal identity.
- Use Recognized Networks:
In prominent places like columns, walls, or displays near charging stations, many airports publish their Wi-Fi network names. Before you join the first network that appears on the list, read the full name of the hotspot network to make sure it matches the name posted on the official airport Wi-Fi literature. To protect yourself by signing onto a recognized network, ask an airport staff member. But, turn off file sharing and don’t type in your usernames and passwords or pay for anything using a credit card or any other form of payment.
- Look For An Opt-In Page:
Most airport, hotel, and restaurant Wi-Fi networks require you to enter an email address and agree to the terms and service before you can access the network. It could potentially be a fake hotspot if the network does not have an opt-in page or the page looks sketchy.
- Access Airport Lounge Wi-Fi Networks:
You can join a more secure network that isn’t available to the general terminal if you can access an airport lounge . Reducing the number of people who can access the network also reduces the probability of identity theft. Besides having special Wi-Fi access, you might also enjoy a dedicated work space and a more relaxing environment.
- Subscribe to Boingo Wireless:
Your airport might also have a private Boingo Wireless hotspot too. Regular public airport Wi-Fi hotspot network with their Passpoint feature is not much safer and encrypted as the Boingo networks. Although you can pay for a standalone Boingo Wi-Fi plan, you can enjoy complimentary membership with the American Express Platinum Card.
- Disconnect After Using:
Ensure that you disconnect and switch off the wireless connection if you have finished using the network. So you are less vulnerable from any continued malevolence. But, ensure that your devices are secured.
- Use Strong passwords:
Prevention is the best insurance! You’re bound to be in a crunch for a time during your travel to the perfect opportunity to make sure your passwords are strong is before you set-off for your next destination. Remember- weak passwords are easy to crack for an airport phisher looking for a victim. Strong passwords typically have a mix of capital and small letters, numbers and even symbols.
- Use A VPN:
Consider using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) because this allows you to be extra safe and also creates a secure network so that you can keep your communications secure and encrypted. Even if you join a password-protected Wi-Fi hotspot at the airport, hotel, or cafe, you should still consider using a VPN network. Connecting to a VPN encrypts all your data at the source, your computer. Activating a VPN browsing session immediately after you join the airport Wi-Fi network but before you start browsing creates a personal sub-network that only you can access.
If you’ve traveled for business, there might be certain work applications you can’t access unless you’re connected to a VPN. If VPN’s are good enough to secure business laptops, a personal VPN network can be just as important to protect your personal information which can wreck your credit score and cause a lot of headaches that you wouldn’t wish upon your enemies.
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