Some researchers say this is a “Neck Down” era, where people are looking on their smartphones non-stop. Whether crossing a road or driving, our necks our tilted towards the phone and our physical interaction is coming to an extinct. People prefer more to snapit the moments, rather than having a quality conversation. That ‘thing’ is missing where we used to keep aside our devices and enjoyed family time. Instead, it's just our eyes and our thumbs scrolling the news feed of Facebook or Twitter.

Not only that, physical meetings in a café or restaurant also lead to people sticking their heads in their phones and the first task done is accessing the public Wi-Fi, so more critical errands are given attention such as checking in on Facebook or accessing online banking. Its free, its fast and no additional charges will be applied making it a phenomenon among the youth. If that’s the case, why wouldn’t anyone want to access Public Wi-Fi?

What people fail to see, is the immense danger you put your device when using public Wi-Fis. How? That’s the question of laymen! Any street-smart person knows public Wi-Fis are intercepted by cybercriminals and hackers sitting nearby who look for the opportunity for someone to connect to their hoax/fake connection.

Then again, people tend to stay ignorant knowing the risks involved, but we have come across these tips which will restrain hackers to access your credentials on a public Wi-Fi.

Always Use Https

Websites send and receive data packets on a daily basis without any encryption, and we don’t know about it. Browsing the web and opening multiple sites in different tabs poses a minor threat. All the tasks including watching movies online or scrolling through your Facebook feed won't harm your privacy. But if you are a target of a hacker then chances are your credentials may be at risk. If you are just using your device to browse the net or scroll on social media, then you don’t need to worry, but if you are accessing or doing banking online, then you should worry.

To ignore such a big threat on a public Wi-Fi its always advised checking the SSL certificate of any website before you further browse on it. What’s an SSL certificate? Look for HTTPS on the search bar. If the site contains HTTP on the search bar, chances are it's not encrypted and its easier to bypass its firewall. Ignore the website. For added protection, you can always add HTTPS extensions on your browser available both for Firefox and Chrome browser.

Confirm the Network Name

On a public Wi-Fi, people tend to connect devices on those networks which are fake or a hoax created by hackers. Let’s say if Tim Horton’s have their own Public Wi-Fi, it’ll be named after Tim Hortons. It’ll be a fake if the Wi-Fi is called ‘Free Public Wi-Fi,’ or Free Tim Horton’s Wi-Fi. Connecting to any network which is called free public Wi-Fi, that means something is fishy, and you should think twice before joining it.

Connecting to a fake Wi-Fi network can lead to hackers using their technicalities to break the firewall which increases the chances of your device being penetrated. If you give someone a chance, then the hackers will undoubtedly make it count with malicious malware. If you aren't sure about the Public Wi-Fi, ask the waiter or server he will guide you.

Turn on Your Firewall

Nowadays almost all the Operating Systems come with a prepacked Firewall that keeps a check on connections, but it doesn’t provide 100% guaranteed protection. But like its said the more, the merrier adding another security layer to your device. If You utilize a Windows device, then go to your settings and look for Firewall in the control panel and switch it on. Sign in your administrative passwords and check if the Firewall is turned on.

These settings can be easily found in any device or Mac is talked about. For Mac, you can browse the Firewall setting and switch it on. That way your device will have a thick layer of protection.

Run Anti-Virus Software

Who isn’t aware of anti-virus softwares? Anti-virus has been around for a long time, and every household uses it for its PC and laptops. Its features are self-explanatory which is why its suggested to keep your chosen anti-virus up to date and running so that if any suspicious activity is seen, the user will be notified asap showing malware and viruses which have temporarily infected the system.

But anti-virus is not the supreme and ultimate solution. Hackers and viruses can bypass anti-virus softwares as well. Its an added protection to your device which will at a certain extent keep your device safe while browsing on a public Wi-Fi.

Use A Virtual Private Network

Last but not the least, this tip is a guaranteed solution to all your problems. Its as if a hacker-proof shield is on to of your device and no matter where you are, even on a Public Wi-Fi your data and device will be 100% safe and secure. A Virtual Private Network is known by many but used by a handful of people who don’t know its actual capacity and capability. It creates a safe, encrypted tunnel where all your online traffic is rerouted to a different IP address.

It lets you to switch your current IP address to that of a chosen IP address of any Nation, could be any country so that your true and authentic IP address is hidden and you’ll browse the net being anonymous.

VPN will not keep logs of your data which will make you disappear in the online world. To access that you need to check best VPNs for torrenting and P2P file sharing as these are authentic and will make your life easier when using public Wi-Fis.

Final Thoughts

Public Wi-Fis are a blessing, finding a public free Wi-Fi is as a kid seeing an ice-cream and runs towards it. Its more for those who prefer to be online on the go. Staying 24/7 wired in on the internet is hard. That’s why Public Wi-Fis fills in the gap for your Data needs, and you cannot rely on your data plans constantly.

Be wary of the opportunists that will always be present as a shadow on your shoulder, waiting to strike as soon as you make a terrible move. Being cautious in today's time is a smart ordeal no matter how good the bargain seems to be. That’s why these tips will keep your device safe.