There are fake public WiFi connections, will you regret it? Don’t ignore network security during the Spring Festival!

Network security risks during the Spring Festival holiday: risks and prevention of public WiFi

With the coming of the Spring Festival holiday, more and more people choose to travel and enjoy the joy of the festival. However, while enjoying their trip, many tourists may ignore some network security risks, especially when using public free WiFi. This article will explore the risks of using public WiFi during the Spring Festival holiday and provide some preventive suggestions.

1. Risks of Public WiFi

Information leakage risk

Many tourists will "use" free public WiFi in transportation waiting areas, scenic spots, hotels and other places. However, these public WiFi often have security risks. Hackers can intercept the content browsed by mobile phones through special equipment, and even obtain various personal information such as bank cards, network account passwords, etc. For example, someone connected to the free public WiFi while shopping in a mall, searched and compared prices, and bought a piece of clothing online. Later, his credit card was stolen and more than 9,000 yuan was charged.

Phishing WiFi Risks

The Ministry of Public Security's Cyber ​​Security Bureau and Internet police in many places remind that when you need to connect to public free WiFi outside, you should be wary of multiple identical or similar WiFi in the same area. In this case, it is very likely that hackers have set up phishing WiFi, named after the official WiFi, to trick users into clicking on it and eventually intercept highly sensitive information such as passwords in the user's mobile phone.

2. Prevention Suggestions

Choose public WiFi carefully

Try not to use free public WiFi that is not encrypted or has no password in public places. If you need to use public WiFi, it is best to confirm its security first, such as asking the staff or checking other users' reviews. At the same time, avoid connecting to multiple similar WiFi in the same area to avoid being deceived by phishing WiFi set up by hackers.

Use mobile client to pay for shopping

When shopping, please use 4G or 5G network on mobile client as much as possible. Mobile client usually adopts multiple encryption methods such as client binding, SSL encryption technology, timeout exit, etc., which can prevent being intercepted by others and ensure the security of transactions. In comparison, the security of logging in to the web page is lower.

Change your password regularly

If you need to connect to free public WiFi for a long time, you should change your account password and online banking password regularly to prevent the loss of funds in your payment account due to information leakage from other websites. The password should also be set as complex as possible to avoid using too simple passwords.

Turn off the WiFi function

Try not to turn on the WiFi function when you are not using it in public areas to avoid connecting to malicious WiFi without your knowledge. In addition, always pay attention to the status of your mobile phone when using it. If you find any abnormality in your mobile phone, such as unstable network connection, abnormal power consumption, etc., you should immediately disconnect the WiFi connection and check the security of your mobile phone.

Install security software

Installing some security software on your phone, such as antivirus software, firewall, etc., can effectively improve the security of your phone. These software can monitor the network connection status of the phone in real time, and promptly detect and block malicious attacks and phishing websites.

In short, there are certain security risks in using public WiFi during the Spring Festival holiday, but as long as we are vigilant and take some preventive measures, we can effectively avoid these risks. While enjoying the trip, we should also always pay attention to our network security and ensure the safety of personal information and property.