Home/office and public WiFi (as wireless connections are commonly known), use the same technology (802.11). There are some common potential issues, whilst each has its own particular risks. You can protect yourself easily with a few simple precautions.
Home/Office/Mobile Wireless Networks
The Risks
If your wireless hub/router/dongle is not secured, other people can easily gain access to it if they are within range. This can result in unauthorised people doing the following:
Safe Wireless Networking
All of the above risks can be avoided simply by ensuring that the wireless hub/router/dongle that you wish to connect to, is secured. To check that this is the case, simply search for available wireless networks, and those that are secured will be indicated with a padlock symbol.
When you first connect a smartphone, tablet, computer, printer or any other wireless-enabled device to any wireless hub/router/dongle, you will be prompted to enter a password/key, provided the network is in secure mode. This will enable the device to connect on this occasion and normally, for future use. The password/key will be supplied with the hub/router/dongle, but you may be given the opportunity to change it to one of your own choice. You will probably need to do this using a computer.
If you are setting up a new hub/router/dongle, it will probably have been supplied with security turned on as the default. There are three main encryption levels available (WEP, WPA and WPA2), WPA2 being the highest. Most hubs/routers/dongles give you the option of selecting a higher level, but remember that some older devices may not be compatible with higher levels. You will probably need to do this using a computer.
If for any reason a home/office/mobile wireless hub/router/dongle you wish to connect to is not secured, consult the user manual.
Securing your wireless network does not negate the need to take other online security precautions.
Public WiFi
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 spoof 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 café, hotel or pub. There is almost certainly no security through encryption.
Safe Public WiFi
Other Advice
Privacy
Maintain privacy and avoid identity theft or fraud.
Downloading & File Sharing
Simple measures needed to safeguard you when browsing and downloading.
Computer Use in Public Places
Using computers, smartphones or tablets in public places safely.
Public Places
It's especially important to be careful about going online when out and about.
Viruses and spyware
Viruses and spyware can affect your mobile or tablet too. Find out more.
QR Codes
How do you know that a QR code is safe? Find out here.