The open wi-fi network or Public Wi-Fi connections is usually free. Public Wi-Fi is available — in airports, Coffee shops, restaurants, hotel lounge, stores, libraries and so many places.
Thieves (hackers) might set up a Wi-Fi hot spot with name like "Public Wi-Fi". when you use this type of wi-fi connections, they can capture any data you send and can tap into your system to read your email, scan the websites you visit and even pay an illegitimate visit to your hard drive.
If you used this wi-fi connections for bank transactions they can capture the information on the name,credit card numbers, address and more.
Follow the below steps while using Public wi-fi
1.Firewall
Enable firewall settings while you are using public networks (wi-fi).To Enable firewall settings-
Go to Control Panel and select "switch to classic view" then find Windows Firewall and enable it.
(or)
Click Start -> click search -> click all files and folders -> type "Firewall" in Search for Programs and Files box and press enter.
Enable firewall after find it. (shown in below image).
2.VPN (virtual private network)
If you are working in an organisation that may offers a VPN connection with Internet access, you can take the benefit of VPN while you are using public Wi-Fi.By this VPN function enabling , VPN prevents people spying on you when you use the internet (public wi-fi). This is very useful if you travel with a smartphone, laptop or tablet and access public Wi-Fi
If you don't have any VPN services. you can use the following services.
CyberGhost VPN
VPNBook
AnchorFree HotSpot Shield Elite
proXPN
VPN Direct
OpenVPN Shield Exchange
TorVPN
WiFi Protector
OkayFreedom
3. Turn Off all Sharing
Click the Start -> go to Control Panel -> click on Network Connections.Right-click on the proper internet connection -> click on Properties -> Un check the File and Printer Sharing for Microsoft Networks check box.
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