Going to a local coffee shop to get some work done can be great, but that public Wi-Fi you’re using could put you at risk. Here’s our guide to what you should do to help keep your data safe.

DO: Know your environment

If you are going to use public Wi-Fi, make sure it’s a well-known network. If you’re at Starbucks, use the Starbucks public Wi-Fi. Avoid those other available connections that may pop up, even if they seem to promise faster connection speeds.

DO: Make sure your connection is encrypted

Browsers like Google Chrome often notify you when the website you’re using features an encrypted connection. Check this frequently when using public Wi-Fi. Unencrypted connections could potentially open the door for unwanted people snooping on your information.

DON’T: Give away personal information while using unsecured Wi-Fi

While encryption in websites has definitely improved over the years, it’s definitely a good rule of thumb to avoid inputting extremely personal information while using public Wi-Fi. Remember- it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Maybe just wait until you’re back in you trusted home Wi-Fi connection.

DON’T: Blindly accept the Wi-Fi terms & conditions

Always make sure you read through the terms and conditions before accessing public Wi-Fi signals. These conditions contain important information about your data and privacy. It’s always good to know that information before accessing the network.

DON’T: Allow your devices to automatically connect to nearby networks

By letting your device roam between Wi-Fi networks, you’re increasing your chances of exposing your data to unwanted sources. Instead, require your device to ask before joining any network. This gives you full control over where device connects.