[Happyland]

How do you protect yourself on free unsecured public wifi?
Avoid credit card or personal information transactions.
Keep your browser up to date
Connect to legitimate wifi network not just the first free one you see (ask the airport or café)
Turn off file sharing
Use a vpn to encrypt the traffic between your device and the server
When you are done using the wifi log off any open services and then select "forget network"

[sprite1950]

I don't use public wifi ever but my partner does, he uses the library in our local town. I don't think he uses a card but he has had some very suspicious emails from time to time. Whether it is connected I don't know. He isn't very uptodate on this kind of stuff but he does know not to open mail from people he doesn't recognise.

[vcolaco]

try to access HTTPS links only. secure connections are harder to "sniff" so even if you get in gmail or facebook, you will have a substantial level of security here.

[Alexandoy]

I have no tips on the safety of the use of public wifi but as long as you have your anti-virus I guess that is not much of a problem. What matters is the sites that you are accessing and not the internet connection.

[Jinglebells]

I don't use public Wifi, if I am out and need to use the internet, it should be able to wait until I get home. However, no matter how careful you are, there is always a chance of a hacker , to get into your personal information.

[cessy_08]

I seldom use public wifi since my mobile plan has 3G included. Although, it is convenient, I seldom connect to wifi hotspots. To me, it is more of why would I spend a lot of time online when I am outside. I can do it while inside our apartment anyway. But thanks for sharing the tips, it is better to be safe.

[ivyparkgirl]

When using public wifi that is not password protected like restaurants such as mcdonalds avoid visiting login sites like your bank website.

[darkthorn]

I use public wi-fi very often and I always make sure to specify the network as public in Windows.
Plus I do the following:

- Enable the windows firewall

-Turn Off Sharing

Open your Control Panel, then browse to Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Center, then click Choose Change Advanced Sharing Settings. Once here, you should definitely turn off file and printer sharing, and you may as well turn off network discovery and Public folder sharing.

- Like Vcolaco said I try to use HTTPS wherever is possible

You can also use a VPS to increase security. When using public networks I never use my credit cards data and I never access to my bank account either.

[oldbuddy]

Since I am retired and spend most of my time at home, I don't use public wifi for anything but the most trivial activities and never where passwords or sensitive information is transmitted.

[cashforuonline]

Before I had internet at home, I always used the library for everything. Even now, I sometimes use their wifi, when I have big files to download. I don't really worry about it much, even when ordering stuff, because hackers can get into even super secure places, so you're never really safe. They'd be more likely to get my card information right from the bank! I just don't see the sense in being paranoid about something I don't really have much control over. If I want to use the internet, I have to accept the risks.

[germainebull]

A rule of thumb is to have an effective antivirus program installed on your device.

Also, avoid linking to wifi connections that appear suspicious.

[oldbuddy]

If I want to use the internet, I have to accept the risks.

Actually my credit card company accepts the risk for me. If I become a victim of fraudulent charges on my card, they pay for them.

[Decentlady]

I occasionally use public wifi but for things that aren't sensitive like transactions etc and on spots that sounds/looks reliable.

So far I haven't had any bad experiences but I do not open any suspicious sites as alerted by up to date my anti-virus.

[suny]

I generally do not use free wi-fi provided on limited places in our country for a simple reason. These services are too slow so not worth wasting time if you have data available in your phone.

[chikitta]

Come to think of it is this one way of fraudsters getting hold of people accounts and doing all kinds of fraud? I am one of those people who log onto free WiFi in restuarants and public places I will be more careful now thanks for sharing this information

[oldbuddy]

Come to think of it is this one way of fraudsters getting hold of people accounts and doing all kinds of fraud? I am one of those people who log onto free WiFi in restuarants and public places I will be more careful now thanks for sharing this information

What steps will you use to be more careful?

[peachpurple]

when I am using public wifi, i don't access to my bank or paypal account.
there is no public security unless you are using home wifi.
After using public wifi, I would clear cache, clear history and scan for viruses

[IcyFirefly]

My first defense would be having a GREAT antivirus protection and firewall and shield. The second rule of thumb is to not logging in my bank account or any thing that have my personal information.

I have only use public Wifi a few times just to catch up with some work, and only on the sites that I knew.

[MeowsePad]

I hardly ever use public WiFi, but when I do, I make sure only to use it for things that aren't important. I would never make purchases or check my bank account on public WiFi.

[germainebull]

I'd protect myself by having a robust antivirus program installed on my device. This antivirus program would always be updated. Of course, I'd not use strange wife connections to update my antivirus program, lest I fall prey to hackers and the like. lol