These are the risks of using public Wifi networks: SSC

[ad_1]

Mexico City (apro) – Cybercriminals use public Wi-Fi networks to monitor the activities of users connected to these networks in order to steal their identities and sensitive data, according to a series of information released by the Secretariat of Citizen Security (SSC), which advises citizens.

The agency, headed by Pablo Vázquez, warned in a statement that public networks pose significant risks to the security and privacy of their users, especially the possibility of transmitted data being intercepted by cybercriminals.

Cyber police have found that when citizens use the internet of these networks, hackers use technology that allows them to intercept and read information they send or receive, such as emails, messages, login data, which can lead to the theft of sensitive information.

Additionally, attackers create fake Wi-Fi access points with names similar to those of legitimate networks, so users connect without knowing their security has been compromised and can easily become victims of personal information theft.

The SSC through its Cyber Police Unit found that many users connected to public networks as they provided easy internet connectivity in cafes, airports, libraries and shopping malls.

For citizens to protect themselves from cyber incidents, it makes the following recommendations:

Avoid banking, online shopping, or any activity that requires entering sensitive information while connected to a public Wi-Fi network.
Verify the network name with your service provider to ensure it is legitimate and not a fake network created by an attacker.
Configure devices to prevent them from automatically connecting to open or public Wi-Fi networks.
Whenever possible, browse websites that use HTTPS, as the data transmitted between your browser and the server is encrypted, adding an extra layer of security.
Update your operating system, browser, and any other applications with the latest security patches to protect against known vulnerabilities.
Disable file sharing and network discovery on your device when connected to a public Wi-Fi network.
Enable two-factor authentication for online accounts.
Regularly review which devices are connected to your network and close any active sessions that you don’t recognize.
Disable Wifi on your device when not in use.
Avoid entering personal information into apps and social networks when connected to public Wi-Fi networks.

The agency explains that the Cyber Police Unit is available 24 hours a day if anyone has any questions or needs additional guidance: