The holidays and shopping are synonymous for most people. More likely than not, you or someone you know will meander through a mall this month in search of gifts for friends and loved ones. It’s important for everyone to remember that the free Wi-Fi offerings in retail stores and other shopping establishments are also open to bad guys and gals as well.
When searching online for a coveted Hatchimal, seasonal promo-codes and holiday deals, or the nearest coffee shop for spending fuel, be on guard against Wi-Fi hackers posing as “Free Wi-Fi” connections. Keep in mind that “free” isn’t always so free, and that public Wi-Fi presents its own set risks. The good news is that preventing Grinch-like Wi-Fi villains from stealing your data can be done with a little awareness and a few proactive steps.
Our very own Information Security Threat Analyst Marc Laliberte recently spoke with CNET about public Wi-Fi risks and how to avoid them. There are several basic steps customers can take to minimize risk on public Wi-Fi, but in some cases the best solution is to use your own hotspot or wait to log onto your network at home. According to Marc, “The most foolproof way to protect yourself is to turn everything off, but that is not always acceptable. It’s just not as safe as plugging into your wired home network.”
Read more Wi-Fi security tips for this holiday season from Marc and other experts at CNET.