Free Wi-Fi networks can be a great thing if you want to save on data, but be careful - a lot of them are actually traps that can cost you much more than a few megabytes used.
Turn off Wi-Fi when not in use
By turning off the wireless network, you've solved three things - your device's battery will thank you, you won't be able to connect to a fake network, and you'll be spared an avalanche of annoying ads. For an extra layer of defense, add the DoNotTrackMe extension to block sites and services from retrieving your current position.
Use a VPN
A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, gives you anonymity while you're online - the websites you visit will see the address of the virtual network, not the one you're currently using. VPN, be warned, is a paid service that will slow down your network. The price of the service, however, is not astronomical, and there are VPNs that do not charge anything.
Do not allow the device to remember the free network
Most phones will automatically remember the shopping mall or airport hotspot they've used before. Crooks can clone the name of that network and catch your device when it tries to connect to a legitimate hotspot. The price? Your money, identity and data.
Pay close attention to the network name
Hackers often use network names that are very similar to the original. The only difference is that an authentic hotpot will ask for some kind of authorization, while a fake one will be completely free. Before you next go to connect to a hotspot, always ask the waiter or service owner for the exact name of the network.
Install an antivirus
This is very important: always, always have your antivirus software up to date. There are hundreds of ways to hack and hundreds of new ones appear every day, and your job is to at least stay up to date. After all, your antivirus will remind you to be careful when connecting to fake hotspots.
Use a network that requires double sign-in
A network that doesn't ask for a password or send you a confirmation message is often fake. To stay safe, choose a hotspot that sends you an SMS before connecting. This protects them and you from criminals who make dangerous duplicates of free Wi-Fi networks, writes Tportal.
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