Why You Need a VPN When Using Public Wifi

Why you should always use a VPN on public Wifi
It’s no secret that public Wi-Fi isn’t safe. You can be targeted by hackers or even government agencies. Your information is at risk of being stolen and used against you. That’s where a VPN comes in handy. Read on to learn how a VPN will protect all your data from prying eyes so that you can browse with peace of mind.

The Risks of Public WiFi

Public WiFi networks are convenient, but they come with risks. Without a virtual private network (VPN), your data is vulnerable to theft and other attacks. Public WiFi networks are also a favorite of cybercriminals. By spoofing the signal of a legitimate network, they can trick unsuspecting users into connecting to their malicious hotspot. Once connected, the criminals can steal passwords, financial information or even install malware on the user’s device.
Here are some of the risks you take when connecting to public WiFi:

1.Personal Information Theft

The theft of personal information is one of the most severe and prevalent dangers of using publicWiFi. If a hacker obtains access to your computer or other personal devices through a hacked public WiFi connection, they could have free rein over everything saved on them. For instance, if they get access to your login details and log into your bank’s or credit card’s website, well… you can see how that would be a problem.

2.Cyber Attack on Businesses

Mobile users on the road for most of the day may connect to public WiFi to check their emails, download files, view customer information, and perform other tasks requiring a network connection.
Most companies/businesses have security measures to minimize the danger of connecting over WiFi. However, there are still dangers if you or your coworkers need access to a company network via a public connection. Because WiFi networks are, by their nature, open and frequently monitored, it isn’t easy to know what information they might collect. There may be several reasons why you’re having trouble connecting to the internet. For example, you may be restricted because you’re in a public place or locked in your computer. You never know what data the WiFi provider could keep track of. The WiFi provider might log everything you do on the network and sell your data to marketers.

3.Malware Distribution

A more serious concern that may come about when using public WiFi is the installation of malware on your device. Someone with malicious intentions on the same public WiFi as you may install malware onto your computer if it is not kept secure. Bad actors could use the hotspot itself to drop one or more of these threats on your machine.

4.Packet Sniffing

When you send and receive data over the internet, anyone connected to the same WiFi network as you can see what you communicate with a packet analyzer or packet sniffer. These tools enable inspection of everything transmitted over the WiFi network unless encrypted. Tools like these are not inherently bad. You can utilize them for good or bad purposes, just like any other tools. Packet sniffers allow network specialists to diagnose wireless network connection and other performance difficulties, but they also enable hackers to see all of the data sent through that WiFi network.

5.Hijacking of Sessions

Another common type of WiFi security breach is a Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) attack. In this scenario, an adversary snatches information about your computer and its connection to websites or other services.
The attacker can then set his computer to mimic yours and take control of the connection after obtaining that data. Hacking into your personal computer and gaining access to online accounts is only one of several possible ways a hacker can control your information. For instance, after you sign in to your bank’s website, a hacker may steal your connection. Since your computer is already connected, the attacker would have access to everything on the banking website that you would have access to.

How to Use a VPN to Protect Your Privacy and Security on Public WiFi

Public WiFi can be a goldmine for hackers looking to steal your personal information. However, you can protect yourself from these threats and keep your data safe using a VPN. A VPN works by creating a secure tunnel between your device and the internet. This secure, encrypted tunnel protects your data from being intercepted by third-party hackers.
Here are a few best practices for using a VPN on public WiFi:
  • Use a VPN on all of your devices, including smartphones and laptops, that will use public WiFi
  • Choose a VPN that is reliable and has strong security features
  • Make sure the VPN is active and connected anytime you’re using public WiFi
  • No streaming or downloading large files while connected to public WiFi networks
  • If your VPN connection drops, immediately disconnect from the public WiFi network or utilize the VPN’s killswitch feature
By following these simple tips, you can keep yourself safe and secure when using public WiFi. Remember, it’s always better to be safe than sorry.

How a VPN Protects You on Public WIFI

So how does a VPN actually making it safer to use a public WiFi network? Here are a few ways:
  • Encryption of your data. A VPN will encrypt your data, ensuring that it is safe from prying eyes.
  • Protection against spying & data theft. By using a VPN, you can prevent others from spying on your activities while using public WiFi. If they do get access to your data, everything will be encrypted, and therefore unintelligible and unusable.
  • Avoiding malware and viruses. A VPN can help to protect you from these threats by limiting the ports available to connect to your device, having a firewall in place, and strongly filtering anything coming in.

Conclusion

VPNs are an essential tool for staying safe and secure online — especially when using public WiFi networks. They encrypt your data so that it cannot be read by anyone else, protecting your privacy in the process.
Do you use a VPN anytime you’re on public WiFi? Do you have any additional tips for using public Wifi? Tell us in the comments!

Security Best Practices As You Work From Home

Security Best Practices for Work From Home

The COVID pandemic has been a wake-up call to many people that are working from home for the first time. This means that it’s more important than ever for you to stay vigilant about your online security as you access corporate data from home or rely on new apps and processes that you’re not familiar with.

With the need for additional online security for at-home workers, we’ve put together a guide for you. Here are a few tips to help you work from home safely.

Consider Security Software

There are various types of security software that you can use to help protect your systems, data, and privacy. 

Two popular options include anti-virus programs which will scan your system for viruses or malware. Also, firewall applications that monitor the traffic between your computer and other devices on the internet.

Many security software applications also offer features to protect your privacy, such as the ability to delete your browsing history and cookies or to encrypt your files so that they cannot be read by others. 

It is important to keep in mind that no security software can provide 100% protection, but using a combination of different types of software can help reduce the risk of a security incident.

Utilize the Tech Toolbox of Your Company

If you’re working from home, one of the first things you should do is familiarize yourself with the resources provided by your company, whether that’s remote working software, security apps, hardware, etc. Each company has its own set of tools and it’s important to be aware of what they are to be productive while working remotely.

Also, be sure to check with your IT department about any specific security measures that need to be taken when working remotely. It’s important to follow your company’s procedures because the effectiveness of the security measures put in place will depend on the security procedures being followed.

Maintain Contact with Your Employer

Even if you are working from home, it is important to maintain contact with your employer. This can help ensure that you’re meeting all your deadlines and staying on top of any changes or updates, particularly changes in work from home policy or security policies. As more people work from home security measures will likely continue to evolve.

By communicating effectively, both you and your employer can avoid any potential issues.

Improve Your Home Security

In addition to your online securing, it’s important to have physical security at home. There are many easy ways to do this such as making sure your windows and doors lock properly, installing a home alarm system, and even security cameras to keep you safe.

Ensure Zoom Meetings are Safe

Zoom meetings are a great way to stay connected with coworkers and clients. But it’s important to make sure they are safe. Don’t share Zoom meeting info or account credentials with anyone outside of your company, unless they are specifically required to be in the meeting. Zoom frequently updates their software, so make sure that you’re always up-to-date for maximum security.

Always Update Your Software

One of the most important things you can do to protect your security when working from home is to make sure all your software is up-to-date. This includes everything from your operating system to your web browser and even your office applications. By keeping your software current, you’re closing any potential security loopholes that could be exploited by hackers.

Consider Using a VPN if Necessary

If you work from home, it’s important to take precautions to keep yourself and your data safe. One way to do this is by using a virtual private network (VPN). Many companies will require you to use a corporate VPN to be able to connect to the company network or data, but some will not. In that case, using a personal VPN might be a great option for enhancing your security.

A VPN creates an encrypted connection between your device and the internet, making it harder for someone else to spy on your traffic or steal your information.

Beware of Phishing Emails from Scammers

Phishing emails are where scammers pretend to be someone you trust to get confidential information. Emails can appear to come from your bank, credit card company, or other service providers, even family and friends – but they don’t. Therefore, you need to beware of such emails and not click on any links or open any attachments that you don’t recognize.

Avoid Using Public WIFI

If you decide to get out of your home office and work from somewhere like a coffee shop, be sure to avoid public WIFI networks. Public WIFI networks are not secure and give hackers an open invitation into your computer, smartphone, or mobile device. 

This can expose important data like bank account numbers, credit card details, and login credentials for work-related websites such as email and online banking. If you have to use a public WIFI, use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) to create a secure connection between your device and the internet. 

Conclusion

These tips are a great start to making your work from home experience a lot more secure. What other tips do you have? Leave them in the comments below!

10 People Who Need a VPN [infographic]

Do you need a VPN?

We’ll get to the answer to that question in a minute, but first, let’s back it up.

Do you know what a VPN is?

VPN is a Virtual Private Network. And, it’s an effective, safe and easy way to add security and privacy to both public and private networks. Basically, it enables you to freely use and browse the Internet without the fear of putting yourself at risk of cybercrimes, hackers, or geographic restrictions.

As you can imagine, having a VPN can be really beneficial, but there are specific groups of people who really can benefit from having a VPN.

If you’re wondering if you are a one of them, check out the infographic below to find out!


Click HERE to view infographic in a new page.

 

For even more info about how a VPN can benefit you, visit GhostPath.com.

What The Big Dogs Are NOT Telling You About The Security Of Your Mobile Device

Screen Shot 2014-09-02 at 10.57.29 AMEver feel like you’re not getting the whole story?

Well, we’ve done some digging and it turns out that there’s quite a lot that the big dogs (namely Google and Apple) are NOT telling you about the security of your mobile device.

According to a recent Unisys study on workplace mobile habits, it was found that many business users access important corporate data using non-secure methods, like public WiFi. Plus, an increasing number of employees are accessing their workplace’s business applications on their personal devices, putting both themselves, sensitive data and their company at risk.

And worse, most people don’t give a second thought to the security of their devices before logging on at a WiFi hotspot or checking their email using mobile data.

Here are some enlightening facts about our mobile device habits & security:

  • By 2020 there will be 50 billion (yes, with a b) internet-connected devices
  • 51% of organizations have experience data loss in the last year from non-secure device usage
  • 32% of Americans say they prefer to use simple passwords; a practice that puts you & your data at risk
  • In a recent media company security breach, it was uncovered that 3,000 users had the password “123456” and 2,000 users used “password” as their password

In order to better protect yourself, your data & your mobile device, get a VPN (virtual private network), which will encrypt your data and protect your privacy no matter what device you use to connect to the Internet.

 

This post was inspired by this infographic.

7 Rules for Safer Online Shopping

For most people online shopping has become the norm.

Our busy schedules prevent us from trekking to the mall every time we need something, so instead we visit online retailers to fulfill our shopping needs.

Safe online shopping

But, not all online shopping destinations are created equal, and while many sites are trustworthy and legitimate, there are a number of fake online retailers that are just waiting to rip you off.

Luckily, a little online shopping savvy can go a long way to protecting you, your money and your identity.

Read through our online shopping rules below to keep yourself safe online.

  1. Stick to sites that you know & trust. Instead of starting your online shopping with a search engine, begin at a trusted retailer like Amazon, Target, Lowe’s or Macy’s. Search engines can lead you to places that are not trustworthy, especially if you venture past the first page or two of search results. Also, check the spelling of the site’s name (Amazon.com versus Amazn.com*). Many “copycat” sites try to get your money by looking “familiar”, and check the top-level domain as well (Amazon.com versus Amazon.net*). *These are fictitious examples.
  2. Use credit cards. Credit cards tend to be the safest option for online shopping because you have recourse. If an ordered item is never delivered or you find fraudulent charges on your card, the credit card company will work with you to remedy those issues and get you your money back. But, if you use a debit card or give access to your bank account, it can be a lot more challenging to get your money back after you fall prey to a scam. Check your statements regularly, and keep an eye out for suspicious activity.
  3. Keep a paper trail. Whenever you make purchases online, be sure to save any and all documentation that you receive via email in an email folder or, better yet, print hard copies of receipts, terms of sale, product descriptions, and any emails that you exchange with the retailer. Again, this will be helpful and necessary should you find yourself the target on an online shopping scam.
  4. Only shop with the “lock”. Any time you’re about to make an online purchase, look for the lock. Make sure that the site has SSL (secure sockets layer) encryption installed. You can determine if it does because an SSL url will begin with https:// (instead of http://). Typically, a little lock icon will also appear next to the site’s url or in the status bar; another indication of a secure site.
  5. Shut down your machine. Do you typically leave your computer running and connected to the Internet 24/7? While that may seem like no big deal to you, it means that you’re leaving your machine open to cybercriminals all day and night. This gives hackers the opportunity to infest your system with malware and commit cybercrimes. Instead, after making a purchase, turn off your computer and protect yourself and your money!
  6. Don’t overshare! Only fill out the necessary (i.e. “starred”) information when making on online purchase. No online retailer needs your birth date, social security number, or other unnecessary personal data to complete your transaction. Don’t make it easy for online criminals, instead be cautious, don’t over share, and you’ll protect yourself from identity theft.
  7. Use a secure connection. Don’t conduct your online shopping while using unsecured public WiFi. This is an open invitation to hackers, peeping Toms, and identity theft. Instead, wait to make online purchases from a secure network like your home or place of work.

If you want to further protect yourself, your money and your identity while shopping online, consider getting a VPN. For more details about how a Virtual Private Network can improve your online experience, visit Ghost Path.

The Actual Time It Takes Hackers To Crack a Password + Celeb Phone Hacking

How long does it take to break a password?Do you ever wonder how secure your passwords are?

In light of the recent celebrity phone hacking scandal which resulted in revealing pictures of 100 celebs being posted and shared online and via social media, you’re probably wondering how secure your own passwords are.

The hacker, in this case, “took advantage of a security flaw in Apple’s online backup service, iCloud. Many online services lock someone out after several unsuccessful attempts to log in, but not Apple’s Find My iPhone app and iCloud. That has been changed by Apple in the aftermath of the nude celebrity photo scandal. But with unlimited guesses, a computer program can generate and test thousands of potential passwords until an account is entered. It is called a brute force attack. The tendency of many people to choose weak passwords and to use the same password for each service helped. Once a celebrity’s Find My iPhone app password is discovered, the same password often can access iCloud. People might never know their accounts have been compromised.” (quote from CNN.com)

With that in mind, if your passwords resemble something along the lines of “123456” or “password” or you use the same password for all sites, you’re putting yourself unnecessarily at risk.

Smart hackers are adept at breaking codes in little time, and when you use a simple or common password, you’re opening yourself up to be the victim of online crime.

Here is the actual time it take a hacker to break a password:

  • Lowercase, 6 characters = 5 minutes
  • Lowercase, 9 characters = 2 months
  • Uppercase & Lowercase, 6 characters = 5.5 hours
  • Uppercase & Lowercase, 9 characters = 88 years
  • 6 characters with numbers & symbols = 8.5 days
  • 9 characters with numbers & symbols = 19,985 years

As you can see, adding a length and complexity to your passwords pays off BIG TIME.

Here’s a little tip, instead of using simple words for your passwords, use phrases. For example: “Time flies when you’re having fun!” becomes “TFlyzwhenurhavinFUN!”

A password like that won’t be cracked for millennia! 

And, be sure to use a different password or password variation for every site with a secure log-in.

For extra protection, look into a Virtual Private Network to protect your data and privacy on all your devices, anywhere in the world! Read more HERE.

For the full scoop on the celebrity phone hacking scandal, watch the video below.

Screen Shot 2014-09-05 at 10.38.23 AM

 

This post was inspired by an element of this infographic.

Back To School Online Safety Tips + Video

In between back-to-school shopping, end of summer activities, and gearing up for yet another school year, it’s important to talk to your kids (no matter what age!) about being safe online.

Screen Shot 2014-08-11 at 11.56.51 AM

Over the summer, warm weather, vacations, camp, and playdates keep kids busy (and offline), but the school year means that the Internet will yet again play a major role in their lives as they do homework, study, and do research for school projects. And, the more time they spend online, the more vulnerable they are to being preyed upon by cybercriminals.

To ensure that your kids are well-prepared for a safe and productive school year, use these guidelines below to discuss smart online practices. Then, watch the “Online Safety Tip” video with them — it covers some important topics, too!

1. Don’t Talk To Strangers Online.

This may seem like a given, but many kids view the Internet as a safe, protected place. And, because of that, they can often over-share personal data like their name, age, address or passwords. Teach your kids the importance of staying vigilant even when online, and you’ll protect not only them, but your whole family, from malicious threats.

2. Don’t Post Anything You Wouldn’t Want Your Parents & Teachers To See.

A great rule of thumb is to teach your kids not to post or share anything online that they wouldn’t feel comfortable with you or their teachers seeing. Even if they think they are sharing something in a private, closed forum, you never know who might “share” it, and who may end up seeing it in the end!

3. Use Long & Strong Passwords.

Inform your kids about the importance of using long, strong passwords for all their accounts. A hacker can crack a 6 letter, all lower case password in mere minutes. Instead, encourage them to use passwords that are 8+ characters long and include a combination of upper and lower case, numbers and symbols.

4. Monitor Online Conversations.

It’s essential to keep tabs on your kids’ online conversations via IM, email and social media. For this, you can use parental control software and also talk to your kids about appropriate vs. inappropriate online discussions. A sit-down family chat around the dinner table will do wonders!

5. Make Sure All Devices Have Security Measures In Place.

Kids access the internet in a variety of ways and at a variety of locations. That’s why it’s vital to consider putting safety precautions in place that will protect them in as many instances as possible. Install antivirus software with a strong firewall, and consider using a VPN to further protect your data and identity from cybercriminals.

Online Safety Tips: Send Kids Back-To-School With Cyber-Security

For more info about using a VPN to protect you and your children, check out GhostPath’s services HERE.

10 People Who Should Be Using A VPN

Screen Shot 2014-07-21 at 10.21.07 AMFirst off, let’s start with the basics: what is a VPN?

VPN stands for Virtual Private Network is a way of adding security and privacy to both public (like coffee house WiFi) and private networks (like your home or office WiFi). It enables you to freely use and browse the Internet without the fear of putting yourself at risk of cybercrimes, hackers, or geographic restrictions.

Needless to say, a VPN service is highly useful and can benefit a number of different people with various needs.

Here is a list of 10 types of people who should be using a VPN:

1. Any who uses public WiFi at hotels, airports, coffee shops, restaurants, etc.

2. People who enjoy streaming content using Hulu, Netflix, Pandora, etc.

3. Employees and students who want to break out of restricted networks at work or school.

4. Anyone who likes to download/upload P2P files anonymously.

5. Vacationers who want to watch home-specific entertainment while traveling, like sporting events, local TV, etc.

6. People who want to secure their online phone calls to prevent eavesdropping.

7. Business travelers who need to bypass countries’ web censorship and content surveillance restrictions.

8. Anyone who does not want their searches logged & recorded by search engines like Google, Bing & Yahoo.

9. People who work with sensitive issues and wish to avoid reprisals & tracebacks because of research like journalists, market researchers, detectives, and lawyers.

10. All who believe that privacy is a basic right!

Do you fall into one or more of these categories?

Then you will enjoy & greatly benefit from using a VPN service.

For more information about how a Virtual Private Network can improve your online experience, click HERE.

 

Photo & 10 categories originally presented by Net For Beginners.

 

 

12 Tips for Internet Safety While Traveling

Screen Shot 2014-05-19 at 12.28.12 PMWhen we travel it’s often to “get away from it all”, yet we still like to be connected.

And, today, it’s getting easier and easier to stay plugged in no matter where you go thanks to the prolific number of networks that are available to us at coffee shops, airports, hotels, parks, cultural sites, restaurants and more!

But, when you travel, you’re even more at risk for online hacking because you’re often using a public or unsecured WiFi network to get online.

And, if you think just because you’re paying to use a connection or because it’s password protected that you’re safe, think again: “According to Marian Merritt, Internet safety advocate at Norton by Symantec (maker of Norton AntiVirus), the two main risks you face when using a hot spot are having someone track your online movements via the network you’re logged on to or trick you into using a “fake” hot spot, either by offering it up for free or mimicking the name of a legitimate one. In both instances, a hacker can potentially see your passwords, e-mail, social networks, bank accounts, documents, and more.” (Source: Travel & Leisure) Yikes!

The truth is, staying safe while traveling starts at home, well before the vacation begins!

If you’re wondering how to keep your devices, information and data secure even while traveling, we’ve got 12 tips for you.

Before Traveling…

  1. Back-up all your devices.
  2. Create temporary travel passwords, and make sure they’re strong and long.
  3. Turn on your computer’s firewall.
  4. Invest in a VPN (Virtual Private Network) to encrypt your communications and reroute all traffic through a private, secure connection.
  5. Don’t change the security settings on your phone. Generally your phone’s default settings are relatively secure.
  6. Turn off autofill and cookies. If your laptop or phone automatically enters your login info for familiar websites, be sure to turn that off before you travel.
  7. Handle all bank transactions from home, before you leave.

When traveling…

  1. Only connect using encrypted WiFi networks or a hard-wired connection, unless you have your own WiFi hotspot or use a VPN service.
  2. Never use public computers for logging into private accounts like email, Facebook, credit cards, or any other site that has access to your personal info.
  3. Switch off your phone’s wireless connection when you’re not using it.
  4. Cellular networks tend to be secure, so instead of suffering obscene roaming charges, purchase a data plan. Both Verizon and AT&T offer affordable global data roaming packages.
  5. Always use a site’s https address if available — https connections are safer and more secure than standard http.