Unsecure Public Wi-Fi Use Discouraged for Financial Transactions by Government Advisory
** hook: Think twice before connecting! The dangers of public Wi-Fi in India revealed**
New Delhi: Public Wi-Fi networks, often found in airports, coffee shops, and public spaces, seem like a handy way to stay connected. But beware! They can put your private and financial information at stake. The Indian government issues a stern warning to citizens, urging them to steer clear of these networks for sensitive activities like financial transactions to safeguard their personal data.
Cybersecurity is of utmost importance, and to boost awareness, the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) rolls out a reminder as part of its 'Jaagrookta Diwas' initiative. The advisory underlines the risks of cybercrimes associated with public Wi-Fi networks, where cybercriminals can intercept unprotected connections, leading to data theft, financial losses, and identity fraud.
The government exhorts people to avoid making transactions or disclosing personal information when connected to public Wi-Fi networks. As part of its awareness drive, CERT-In shares essential safety practices to help citizens protect their data.
Tips to stay secure:
- Refrain from online banking, shopping, or entering sensitive information due to the risk of data interception[2][3][4].
- Utilize a trusted Virtual Private Network (VPN) to encrypt your internet traffic[1][4][5]. Be careful while verifying VPN software authenticity to avoid malicious clones[1].
- Disable the "Connect automatically" feature to prevent accidental connections to compromised networks[1][4].
- Verify Wi-Fi credentials with venue staff and avoid generic networks likes "Free Wi-Fi"[1][5].
- Strengthen your passwords by creating unique, long passwords for each account and using password managers to avoid reusing them[1][4].
- Exercise link vigilance by avoiding opening attachments or clicking links from unverified sources while on public networks[1][4][5].
- Ensure websites show "https://" in the URL for encrypted connections, avoiding sites with security warnings[5].
- Maintain offline copies of critical data on external drives to mitigate ransomware risks[1][4].
- Keep your operating systems and security software up-to-date to protect against known vulnerabilities[1][5].
For high-risk activities, CERT-In advises using mobile data instead of public Wi-Fi[4][5]. These measures form part of the ongoing 'Jaagrookta Diwas' cybersecurity awareness initiative[1][4].
Stay smart and safe, and remember - public Wi-Fi can be a treasure trove for cybercriminals. Use it sparingly and wisely!
CERT-In is the national agency responsible for incident response and cybersecurity in India, operating under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology. Its role includes collecting, analyzing, and sharing information about cyber incidents, providing emergency measures, and coordinating response activities across sectors. (With IANS Inputs)
[1] - https://www.cert-in.org.in/[2] - https://www.mynder.co/blog/8-tips-for-public-wifi-security-in-india/[3] - https://www.indiatoday.in/technology/news/story/how-safe-is-public-wifi-as-you-surf-heed-these-tips-1099323-2017-06-30[4] - https://www.dnaindia.com/technology/report-cyber-security-tips-for-safe-public-wifi-use-2689957[5] - https://itsupportworldwide.com/blog/7-tips-to-stay-safe-on-public-wifi/
- While using public Wi-Fi networks in cities like Delhi, one must be aware that they can pose a risk to personal and financial security.
- India's cybersecurity agency, CERT-In, urges citizens to prioritize security and be mindful of the dangers of public Wi-Fi networks, particularly for sensitive activities like online transactions.
- To protect data, CERT-In recommends avoiding online banking, shopping, or entering sensitive information while connected to public Wi-Fi, utilizing a trusted VPN, and verifying Wi-Fi credentials carefully.
- Additionally, exercising link vigilance, strengthening passwords, and keeping systems updated can help minimize the risks associated with public Wi-Fi networks.
- CERT-In advises individuals to use mobile data for high-risk activities instead of public Wi-Fi and encourages internet users to participate in the 'Jaagrookta Diwas' cybersecurity awareness initiative.
