A solution to hackers stealing private data over unsecured Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi is the easiest and the most convenient way to stay connected to the internet. A 2016 Norton Cyber Security Insights Report suggests that over 27 per cent Indians regularly use public Wi-Fi and in general, 70 per cent of Indians say public Wi-Fi is useful for checking emails, sending documents and logging into accounts on the go. However, hackers stealing private data over insecured Wi-Fi are becoming a rising concern.

While most Indians are aware of the risks, with 59 per cent acknowledging that they would not enter financial information online while connected to a public Wi-Fi, only 56 per cent are unable to determine if the Wi-Fi network they are using is secure. Only 45 per cent use a Virtual Private Network (VPN). To counter this, Norton by Symantec has launched Norton Wi-Fi Privacy in India that proves to be a powerful, yet easy-to-use solution for devices on most platforms including Windows, Android and iPhone.

“Consumers are often overly complacent when it comes to using public Wi-Fi networks, believing that nothing will happen to them,” Mr. Ritesh Chopra, Country Manager, Consumer Business Unit, Symantec, India. “Norton Wi-Fi Privacy helps protect information, such as passwords and credit card numbers, and denies access to hackers who may be eavesdropping on the same network.”

Can you really trust your hotspot?

What turns people into easy targets is confusion about the security of public Wi-Fi networks. Most people assume that all Wi-Fi networks available in public places like airports, hotels and cafes have security built-in. That’s not always the case. When consumers log onto an unsecure network, hackers can steal information as it travels across the web, sell it on the dark web for profit or even use the information to drain consumer bank accounts.

Another common tactic, known as the rogue access point attack, is for cybercriminals can to set up their own public Wi-Fi network and trick users into joining it. Users may end up supplying your information to the cybercriminal, and once they are on the spoofed hotspot, they may be redirected to other fraudulent or virus-laden websites, or even be tricked into providing credit card numbers or other identifying information.

To combat this, Norton Wi-Fi Privacy uses sophisticated encryption technology and scrambles consumer information to help protect their information and identity online.

Consumers Unaware of the Risk

- Nearly half (45 per cent) of consumers connect to a Wi-Fi network using VPN regularly; others can potentially allow a hacker to steal data as it travels on the network.

- 1 in 4 Indian consumers (27 per cent) use public Wi-Fi connections, yet only 56 percent think they know how to determine whether the Wi-Fi network they are using is secure.

- Consumers are still willing to click on links from senders they don’t know or open malicious attachments. When presented with a fraudulent and legitimate email, one in three (33 per cent) cannot identify a phishing email.

Tips to Keep Yourself Safe at Public Hotspots

- Never leave your laptop or handheld device unattended-not even for a moment.

- Don't allow your wireless card to automatically join the nearest network. Instead, manually select the hotspot when you connect.

- Make sure you're on a legitimate hotspot by checking with the host to confirm the network name and connection process.

- Turn off file sharing when you're using a hotspot, and try to minimize the amount of sensitive, personal data you store on your laptops and mobile devices. You can usually turn off file sharing from your operating system's network settings menu.

- Don't do your online banking or trading at a public hotspot. Save it for a more safe and controlled environment.

- Don't surf websites you wouldn't want a stranger to know you're viewing.

- When you're on a public hotspot, you have no idea what infections other connected computers might have, or whether there may be a hacker prowling the network.

- Make wise computing decisions. Always avoid using hotspots for any type of important communication or transaction.

Norton Wi-Fi Privacy is available as a 1 device (Rs 2999 , 5 Device (Rs 3999) or 10 device (Rs 4999) annual subscription and is compatible with Windows, Mac, Android or iOS devices.