Public WiFi users - be wary, take precautions
Public WiFi users - be wary, take precautions
It is possibly true to say that 99% of humans today cannot live without the use of WiFi.
WiFi is not a luxury. It is humans’ access to information and communications and the use of this technology is ever evolving into new and more powerful tools and products.
“However, the use of public WiFi can also compromise the personal data security of users,” Gerakan Deputy Speaker Syed Abdul Razak Alsagoff said.
He said it would thus be wise that public WiFi users be wary of the “data security threats” and observe certain basic precautions.
“It is always better safe than to be sorry later,” he added.
“The problem is with honesty and morality. You can use technology and its products for good intentions. But they can also be used unscrupulously by cybercriminals,” he added.
Do take the trouble and some time to read the following advice posted by The Star Online:
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Tuesday, 13 June 2017 | MYT 6:00 AM
Beware of WiFi when on holiday
Travellers may just be compromising their personal information compromised by accessing unsecured WiFi access points — AFP |
These travellers may just be compromising their personal information compromised by doing so.
“Consumers in Asia Pacific remain unaware of the dangers of connecting to public WiFi access points and tend to carry this habit when they travel due to the need to remain reachable for work and to share their travel experiences on social media,” said David Freer, vice president, consumer, Asia Pacific, McAfee.
The wide availability of WiFi networks can make it difficult to unplug and disconnect on holiday but if consumers take that extra step and unplug they can experience a more secure trip. While many individuals did not intend to unplug while travelling, those that did reported a much more enjoyable experience.
A new study by McAfee, Digital Detox: Unwind, Relax and Unplug revealed that more than half of survey respondents in India (52%) and Japan (67%) could not last a day without checking their work or personal e-mail. The majority admitted to checking e-mails at least once a day. In contrast, only 29% of respondents in Australia could not go a day without checking their work or personal e-mail.
More worrying is travellers from Asia Pacific considered their personal information and data to be more secure while travelling than it is at home, as compared to travellers from the US.
To keep your personal information safe while travelling, ensure that you are connecting securely and avoid using public or unsecured WiFi networks. If you absolutely must connect to a public WiFi network, use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) . A VPN will keep your information private and ensure that data goes straight from your device to where you are connecting.
Also, make sure your devices’ operating system and applications are updated. Using old versions of software could leave you open to potential security vulnerabilities.
Install comprehensive security and use location applications to help you find, lock and even erase your device’s data in the event of theft or loss.
If you lose your connected device, especially on vacation, it can be difficult to recover. This may make it a vacation you won't forget, for the wrong reason."
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