Security Tips while Using Wi-Fi Network

Nowadays, there are so many Wi-Fi access points (hotspots) available round which allow us to connect our computer systems / mobile devices to the Internet easily.  However, if the Wi-Fi network is not well-protected, the communication as well as the information on our devices can also be exposed or even be stolen by others easily.   In order to reduce the risk, you are strongly to follow the 10 tips below for protecting your data while using the Wi-Fi networks.

DOs

1. Use well-known and secure Wi-Fi network
   • DO NOT connected to unknown / untrusted Wi-Fi networks, only well-known / trusted one should be used.
   • Always use Wi-Fi network with encryption, e.g. WPA2, which is more secure.
   • Beware of fake Wi-Fi hotspots, verify if necessary.
2. Use secure connection, e.g. VPN
   • DO NOT access personal or sensitive data with public / untrusted Wi-Fi networks.
   • Use secure network, e.g. VPN, which supports encryption.
3. Keep the Operating System (OS) & drivers updated
   • Apply the updates for the OS and drivers whenever they are available to fix the bugs or security holes.
4. Enable firewall
   • Enable the firewall for protecting your system.
5. Use SSL with trusted certificate
   • Use SSL (https://), which support encryption, when browsing any website that may process personal / sensitive data.
   • Verify the security level of website by checking the certificate wether it is trusted and secure.

DON’Ts

6. DO NOT turn on unused Wi-Fi service
   • Turn off Wi-Fi service when it is not in use.
7. DO NOT turn on sharing function
   • Disable all public sharing settings and network discovery options on your system.
8. DO NOT enable auto-connection
   • Disable the auto-connection function to prevent your system connecting to any Wi-Fi network without asking for your permission.
9. NEVER connect to untrusted Wi-Fi network
   • Do not connect to Wi-Fi networks which is free, without authentication process (i.e. no login is required), unknown, or untrusted, etc. since they are not protected and not secured.
10. NEVER process sensitive data with untrusted Wi-Fi network
    • Do not process any personal / sensitive data with any untrusted / unsecured Wi-Fi network.

Reference

JUCC Newsletter:  Wireless Security