How can you train your employees to safely use public Wi-Fi networks?

1 Use a VPN

A VPN, or virtual private network, is a service that encrypts and routes your internet traffic through a secure server. This way, you can hide your online activity and identity from anyone who might be snooping on the public Wi-Fi network. A VPN also allows you to access geo-restricted or censored content, such as your company's intranet. You should provide your employees with a reliable and reputable VPN service and instruct them to always turn it on before connecting to a public Wi-Fi network.

2 Verify the network name

One of the common tricks that hackers use to lure unsuspecting users is to create a fake Wi-Fi network that mimics a legitimate one. For example, they might name their network "Starbucks Free Wi-Fi" or "Airport Guest Wi-Fi" to attract people who are looking for a familiar or trusted hotspot. However, once you connect to their network, they can access your device and data. To avoid this, you should always verify the network name with the staff or the owner of the location where you are. You should also avoid connecting to networks that have generic or suspicious names, such as "Free Wi-Fi" or "Get Online Now".

3 Disable automatic connection

Another way to prevent connecting to malicious Wi-Fi networks is to disable the automatic connection feature on your device. This feature allows your device to remember and connect to previously used networks without your confirmation. However, this can also expose you to unwanted or unsafe networks that have the same name as the ones you trust. For example, if you have connected to a network called "Hotel Wi-Fi" in the past, your device might automatically connect to another network with the same name in a different location, which could be a hacker's trap. To disable this feature, you should go to your device's settings and turn off the option to connect to open or known networks automatically.

4 Use HTTPS and SSL

HTTPS and SSL are protocols that ensure that the websites you visit and the data you exchange with them are encrypted and secure. You can recognize them by the padlock icon and the "https" prefix in the address bar of your browser. You should always use HTTPS and SSL when you access sensitive or confidential information, such as your email, bank account, or social media accounts, especially on a public Wi-Fi network. You should also avoid clicking on links or downloading files from unknown or untrusted sources, as they might contain malware or phishing scams.

5 Update your software and antivirus

One of the best ways to protect your device and data from cyberattacks is to keep your software and antivirus up to date. Software updates often include security patches that fix vulnerabilities and bugs that hackers can exploit. Antivirus software can detect and remove malware that might infect your device through a public Wi-Fi network. You should enable the automatic update feature on your device and antivirus software, or check for updates regularly. You should also scan your device for malware after using a public Wi-Fi network, just in case.

6 Turn off Wi-Fi when not in use

Finally, you should turn off Wi-Fi when you are not using it. This will not only save your battery life, but also reduce your exposure to potential hackers. When your Wi-Fi is on, your device broadcasts its name and other information that hackers can use to target you. When your Wi-Fi is off, your device becomes invisible and inaccessible to them. You should also turn off other wireless features, such as Bluetooth and NFC, when you are not using them, for the same reason.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?