Everyday activities such as reading email or news can be risky at public Wi-Fi hotspots, according to Norton, Inc.
When you join a public network, you are at risk for a cybercriminal intercepting, or just snooping in your private communication. This can compromise your passwords and credit cards.
Some Wi-Fi hotspots look familiar but can be malicious. Norton gives the example of a hotel called the Goodnyght Inn. You join the network Goodnght Inn. Check the spelling. The name is not the same. It is probably a rogue hotspot set up by cybercriminals.
Norton gives these rules:
– Never allow your Wi-Fi to auto-connect to networks.
– Don't click on links. Go directly to the website and verify it by typing https before the address.
– Don't leave on your Wi-Fi or Bluetooth if you aren't using them.
– Never access business or financial accounts on public Wi-Fi.
Rick Good spent ten years in the newspaper business, including with The News & Observer (Raleigh, NC) and The Greenville News (Greenville, SC). He co-wrote, with Melinda Coleman, Rutledge to Riley: Governors of South Carolina, 1776–Present (Published by The Greenville News), and is the author of Mind Games Trivia #1 (Amazon). He has recently spent 15 years creating original trivia content through Sounds Good Mobile Entertainment and continues that with his new company, SGME Software. He edits The Smart Reader’s money, real estate, and business coverage.
