Google And TSA Issue New Warning About Dangers Using Public WiFi

There is a lot of potential hazards to the use of public WiFi networks. (photo; dock. pexels)

JAKARTA - Google and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) of the United States issued the latest warning regarding the potential danger of using public WiFi networks. Although modern encryption technology has made this kind of network safer than before, experts still advise users to be careful, especially by avoiding automatic connections and using VPN for the sake of additional security.

According to Google, users should think twice before using public WiFi, especially if they want to maintain the privacy and security of data on mobile phones. This warning was conveyed in the company's latest report entitled "Behind the Screen", which is intended for Android and iPhone users.

Warning from Google and TSA is actually not new. Cybersecurity experts have long warned that public WiFi is potentially dangerous. Although accessible and free, users never really know who operates the network and how secure the system is.

These networks could not be encrypted and easy to exploit by attackers, Google said.

In addition, the surge in text message-based fraud around the world is also one of the reasons behind this new warning.

However, not all parties agree. The US Federal Trade Commission (FTC), for example, considers that the risk of public WiFi is now much lower than in the past. The FTC argues that because most websites now use encryption (HTTPS), user data is relatively safer, even when connected to public WiFi.

Google and TSA don't recommend really avoiding public WiFi, but use it smartly. Here are some basic security tips:

Turn off the automatic connection to the public WiFi network or unknown.

Some hackers deliberately broadcast fake networks so that users are connected and their data can be stolen.

Avoid downloading new software or apps when connected to public WiFi.

Do not carelessly provide personal data, such as email addresses, unless it is absolutely necessary to enter the network portal.

Periksa keamanan situs web dengan memastikan ikon gembok muncul di bilah alamat dan URL dimulai dengan https://.

Beware of mock sites with similar addresses but slightly different from the original site.

Use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) to protect your connection from potential wiretapping.

In the end, the decision to use public WiFi is in the hands of users. However, as Google says, vigilance and secure digital habits are key to maintaining the security of personal data in an increasingly connected world.