4. Beware of Public Wi-Fi
Free public Wi-Fi sounds awesome in theory—after all, it reduces the burden on your data plan. But tapping into a network that’s not secure makes it ridiculously easy for hackers to intercept and capture your info.
While it’s usually not too bad to use public Wi-Fi for web searches, Netflix and the news, avoid entering in any passwords or personal deets, like your credit card number. “If you do have to access your email or make a purchase, switch over to your cellphone’s data plan connection, which is much more private,” Kaiser says. For the same reason, turn off your Bluetooth whenever you’re not actively using it.
One way to help protect yourself is by using a virtual private network (VPN), which is software that encrypts your wireless session across a public network. Some devices (like a company-issued phone) come with a built-in VPN; you can check your status under general settings. Otherwise you can buy one via the app store for about $5 to $10 a month. “Some people use VPN for all of their wireless access, even in their home,” Kaiser says. “It’s safer than just a secure Wi-Fi network with a password.”
You don’t necessarily have to go that far, but make VPN use a habit when you’re accessing sensitive material no matter where you are, especially if you live in an apartment building or densely populated area.
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