Be careful using Public WiFi this Christmas Season. Have a look at potential risks and how to protect yourself below:

 The Risk

The security risk associated with using public WiFi is that unauthorised people can intercept anything you are doing online. This could include capturing your passwords and reading private emails. This can happen if the connection between your device and the WiFi is not encrypted, or if someone creates a fake hotspot which fools you into thinking that it is the legitimate one.

With an encrypted connection, you will be required to enter a ‘key’, which may look something like: 1A648C9FE2.

Alternatively, you may simply be prompted to log in to enable internet access. This will tell the operator that you are online in their cafe, hotel or pub. There is almost certainly no security through encryption

• Unless you are using a secure web page, do not send or receive private information when using public WiFi.
• Wherever possible, use well-known, commercial hotspot providers such as BT OpenZone or T-Mobile.
• Businesspeople wishing to access their corporate  network should use a secure, encrypted Virtual Private Network (VPN).
• Don’t leave your smartphone, tablet, laptop or dongle unattended.

• Be aware of who is around you and may be watching what you are doing online.
• Using a secure WiFi connection does not negate the need to take other online security precautions.

Don’t Forget

Complete the new 2016 Cyber Crime survey, so we can see the full scope of Cyber Crime in Warwickshire, and across West Mercia and the West Midlands – https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/RegionalCyber16