jordan pulse -

Experts in the information technology sector confirmed that public Wi-Fi networks are associated with a huge number of risks and are likely to be weak in security, although they are a convenient and easy-to-use option.

They indicated that using the network, whether when logging in to check a bank statement or working remotely without proper precautions, poses security risks.

They stressed the need to use the "VPN" application, which is safe and reliable, or virtual private networks, because they protect against monitoring and viewing the information we send via the Internet.

The National Center for Cybersecurity said that free "Wi-Fi" networks are a convenient and easy option for people who travel a lot and those who work remotely, due to their availability in most places such as: airports, restaurants, cafes, hotels, and others.

He added that it allows the caller to access his accounts via the Internet, continue working and check emails on the go, but these networks are not secure and can expose the caller to electronic attacks.

The center pointed out that the problem with public Wi-Fi networks lies in the presence of a huge number of risks associated with these networks, which are likely to be weak in security.

The center warned of the most important of these risks: man-in-the-middle attacks, which is one of the most common threats as it is a form of eavesdropping, and non-encrypted networks, as when using an encrypted network, the information sent between the user's device and the "Wi-Fi" router is encrypted. For this reason, no one can A person can see the information without the decryption key, and if the user connects to an unencrypted network it will be much easier for a fraudster to obtain their web traffic and use it for spying activities.

One of the risks is also the distribution of malware, as due to vulnerabilities and vulnerabilities in the programs there are ways in which attackers can pass malware to the user’s computer without his knowledge, and hackers can exploit these vulnerabilities by writing code to target a specific security vulnerability and then inject the malware into user device.

Also intruding on "Wi-Fi" networks, cybercriminals can buy special software or even devices to help them eaveson "Wi-Fi" signals. Information that is filled out while visiting this web page which makes it possible for him to get his login details and even take over an online session.

The center called for adopting many methods to protect against the dangers of public Wi-Fi networks and to help the user stay safe when connecting to public Wi-Fi networks, including: Avoid entering sensitive information. Also, the use of “VPN” programs, which is one of the methods used to reduce the risks of the public “Wi-Fi” network, where the connection is through a private network through which information is sent and received, which adds an additional layer of security for the connection, but you must make sure to purchase the “V” program ben from a trusted provider to ensure data security.

Among the methods of protection also: browsing sites that start with “HTTPS”, where the addresses of the websites that start with are encrypted, which adds an additional layer of security, adjusting connection settings and not automatically connecting to available public hotspots by disabling Turn on Automatically Connect on devices, and use the privacy screen, which will dim the screen, preventing fraudsters from copying or photocopying any of your sensitive information.

File sharing must also be turned off before connecting to the public Wi-Fi network so that the folders are not available to anyone connected to the same public network, which allows the hacker to obtain private and sensitive information, and the use of two-factor authentication, which is one way to prevent access to passwords while using the Wi-Fi network. fi" public or access accounts.

The operating system should also be kept up-to-date. Operating system updates often include important security patches to protect devices from threats, log out when you're done browsing, use antivirus software to stay safe while using public Wi-Fi, and to protect against cybersecurity threats such as computer viruses and malware. espionage.

Technology expert and future foresight engineer Hani Al-Batsh said that using the public Wi-Fi network, whether when logging in to check the bank account statement or working remotely from a cafe, hotel or airport, without proper precautions poses security risks. Few people take it seriously, because most people think using public wifi is safe by default! Most owners of public networks use cheap routers and access points that lack basic security measures, making it easy for hackers to take advantage of the simple security of public Wi-Fi to spy, steal personal information and passwords, or even take over accounts.

Al-Batsh added that the risks of using public Wi-Fi networks include: identity theft by profiling the victim online, infecting the device with malware, stealing passwords, spying on confidential data, ransomware attacks, stealing accounts on social networks and websites, and targeting The user with phishing attacks, remote control of the user's device, and theft of bank accounts and credit cards stored inside the device.

Al-Batsh advised that in order to maintain the security of the cyber user, it is important to know the security risks associated with using the public Wi-Fi network. Non-disclosure agreement and non-disclosure that endangers the user, his work, his family or even his colleagues.

He stressed the need not to use public Internet networks, and in case of need, we must use a strong security solution. It includes protection such as VPN and virus protection, keeping software up-to-date, turning on multi-factor authentication that confirms identity via face ID, fingerprint or one-time codes, and finally avoiding sending, receiving, and talking about confidential information over networks Open public.

In turn, the Executive Director of the Jordanian Open Source Association, Issa Mahasneh, said that a large part of our activity on the Internet through these public networks can be monitored and detected by the people or entities that provide this service, and therefore it is better to protect our privacy that we always use the application A secure and reliable VPN or Virtual Private Network protects us from being monitored and seeing what we send over the Internet.

He continued that some public networks require entering an email address or phone numbers to log in, but this information can be used for advertising purposes later, but it can be used to register "temporary" email addresses that are used once and are automatically deleted, and there are several sites on The Internet offers this service.

Mahasneh called for the need to follow some practices related to digital security that are useful when using public networks, such as: using anti-virus software, activating two-factor authentication or what is known as two-step verification, and constantly updating the systems of the devices we use and applications.

And he indicated that one of the most important risks that we face when using public networks is the ability of hackers to view the information we send through these networks, and that public networks can be unencrypted, which makes our information vulnerable to theft and to be exploited to send malicious programs.