Ways to Prevent Cyber Attacks on Public Wi-Fi in UAE

You might find yourself lucky living in the era of IT and it seems fun to use public wifi service by avoiding heavy internet bills but they can put your private information at risk. The free public wifi service is available almost everywhere in UAE like hotels, beaches, restaurants airport etc. but you should be aware of the dark side of wifi service also. Over the public wifi network, your privacy remains vulnerable because your device becomes visible to everyone who is connected to the same network. Now here the question arises what type of personal data becomes vulnerable by using the public wifi? Well, the answer is your every information becomes at risk that may your photos, your contact details, your emails even your credit card details. Telecommunication Regulatory Authority always advises the residents to use the public wifi service with caution. You might feel delighted by using the free wifi service after a hectic day, or after the heavy workout but it is not safe.

Tips to Prevent Possible Cyber Attack:

Let’s discuss some way how you can avoid possible cyber-attacks and make your personal information safe over the public wifi.

1.    Never leave your file sharing on. Hackers can easily access your personal data whenever you turn your file sharing on over the public wifi.

2.    If you really need to use your credit card for shopping or for any other purpose make sure the site is secured. Always check for the green lock symbol which should be visible in the URL bar.

3.    Avoid clicking the links shared with you via facebook or twitter or any other website which may contain malicious content.

4.    Always make sure you log out after finish using it.

5.    Never allow your personal device to auto connect to a public wifi network.

6.    Never use the connection that is insecure or you receive the certificate error do not proceed further and leave the page immediately.

7.    Never leave your Bluetooth or wifi open.

8.    Always make sure the webpage is using the HTTP protocol for connection.

9.    Always make sure that firewall of your device is active.

10.  While signing in make sure to use 2-factor authentication is enabled to prevent any loss of financial or private information.

11.  Try not to perform the financial transaction over the public wifi.

A Possible type of Cyber Attacks over Public Wifi Connectivity

One should be aware of a possible way of cyber-attacks. The different type of cyber-attacks are discussed below;

·         Attack During the Data Exchange

When you access the internet your link between the device and host server is established. When the communication bridge is established the hackers might get in between the connection to steal your private information.

·         Encrypted Connection Via Router

The encrypted connection is always established between your device and the internet. But in the public wifi devices might not use the encryption process which again makes your device vulnerable to attacks.

·         Through the Malware

Your device can become a victim of privacy attacks through the malware which is sent to your device over the public wifi connection.

·         Sniffing Method

The professional hackers use the sniffing tools to access your device and access your information in real time that might include the login credential’s, your browsing history, your financial information and they can also steal your private data like pictures, documents etc.

·         Attack During the Data Exchange

When you access the internet your link between the device and host server is established. When the communication bridge is established the hackers get in between the connection to steal your private information.

·         Rogue Access Points

A network of a malicious hotspot is set for use by the public. Whenever you connect to a malicious hotspot you might end up in stolen private information.

Digital Security is important and it should be our main concern while connecting to a public wifi and everyone should understand the risk of getting connected to public wifi network before getting a victim of stolen private information. The tips we discussed are simple and easy to keep you safe while connecting to a public wifi network.