UK users must be on high alert when heading away with their devices, especially when accessing Wi-Fi
We’re all addicted to our digital devices but there’s some very important advice to follow next time you head away and decide to access a Wi-Fi hotspot. Virgin Media has issued this new alert as part of Cybersecurity Awareness Month with the firm telling users to be cautious before logging into public internet access.
When running low on mobile data, or if abroad without roaming access, hotspots can be a real lifesaver but they are also fraught with danger and can leave devices and data vulnerable to cyber crime.
“Although it’s tempting when in need of a quick WiFi connection, apply caution and avoid joining unfamiliar networks,” Gareth Lister, Director of Connectivity at Virgin Media O2 explained.
“Just as you would with personal interactions, apply the principle of ‘stranger danger’ when thinking about who and what you connect your phone to. Connecting to unfamiliar networks can leave users vulnerable to cyberattacks. Instead, try to use a secure network that you trust e.g. at your hotel, or check to see if your mobile provider offers inclusive roaming.”
If you’re unsure about a Wi-Fi network – or the offer of free data without anything in return seems too good to be true – it usually means there’s some sort of catch so beware.
When there’s no other choice but to use public Wi-Fi it’s a good idea to access the web via a VPN with these services establishing a secure connection between you and the internet.
Along with this Wi-Fi alert, Virgin is also offering more advice to stay safe online including always checking website URLs before handing over personal data.
“Be extra vigilant before clicking links in emails and check URLs you connect to, this will help ensure it is taking you to a legitimate source. If you spot any of the warning signs below, report the email and don’t click on any links,” Lister advised.
Here are some things to watch out for
• Lookalike” characters from non-Latin character sets, for example virginmediạ.com
• Typos that evade a quick glance, i.e. Sales.virgenmedia.com
• Links with lots of extra info at the end such as Virginmedia.com.brlb.ru
• Different top level domain “.xyz” is NOT the same as “.com” i.e. virginmedia.xyz”
If you are worried about cyber crime then it’s a good idea to add extra security to your accounts including two-factor authentication (2FA).
This option means strangers can’t access things – such as your email or social media – without getting a password sent to a different device first.
“Always protect your accounts with strong and unique passwords and to protect yourself further, look at adding two-factor authentication so there is an extra layer of protection on your device,” Lister said.
