What is Hostspot Wi-Fi and are they safe?

Wifi hotspot is really just a wireless access point. Usually, they are public places so you can access the Internet via Wifi on mobile devices. Although they are convenient, there are some security issues that users need to keep in mind when using.

1. 5 applications to secure Wi-Fi Hotspot connections

Technically, Wifi hostspot is not different from other wireless access points. You can consider your Wifi router in your home as a Wifi hotspot. However, when talking about hotspots, we often talk about physical public points, where you can log in to Wifi (usually for free). They are often provided by businesses such as cafes and hotels, but are sometimes provided as public services. To connect to a hotspot, you only need a device with a wireless connection such as a smartphone, laptop or tablet.

How to find and connect to hotspots

If you go to a cafe to enjoy a drink there and connect to their Wifi on a laptop, it means you are using a hotspot. You'll find hotspots in all locations like cafes, restaurants, hotels, libraries, bookstores and many other locations. If you travel (or even move around town), it's not difficult to find a hotspot even in other countries.

In addition to obvious locations like restaurants and cafes, you can find hotspot spots like Danang's wireless hotspot or any city or location you've ever been to. Of course, if you don't have an Internet connection, you can't search for networks. In this case you can prepare in advance by downloading an application like Wifi Finder (free application and available for iOS and Android). It will download and install the free and paid Wifi Hotspot point database so you can search later even without a connection.

After finding a nearby hotspot, connecting is usually quite easy. If you have enabled automatic network detection on your device, you will see available networks automatically appear when you click Wifi settings. Otherwise you will have to find it yourself. And in this case, you should use the network search application, it will tell you the network name, password and free network or time limit.

However, there are some things to keep in mind when connecting:

1. Some hotspot points are free; Some do not. And some offer free time limits and then ask you to pay if you want to use more.
2. Some hotspot points have passwords that change frequently. If a business is providing connectivity (and you are a customer), just ask the staff there.
3. Some hotspot points require you to log in via the web portal when you connect for the first time and may require some basic information such as your name and age.

Are hotspot points secure?

Security is a real concern for hotspot WiFi because it is available publicly. Therefore, you should keep all your private, sensitive information in a safe place, this is a top priority for those who use the public network. Even if you log in to a network with a password (or through a web portal), this only helps the person providing limited access, it does not keep your Internet activities private.

When using the same Wifi hotspot, others can snoop on your traffic. This is especially true when you use an open Wifi network that is not encrypted and requires a password.

1. Things to know when using wifi in public places

However, there are several ways to protect yourself when using public Wifi hotspot:

1. Use VPN: Virtual private network (VPN) allows you to create secure connections on public connectors. Think of it as a secure tunnel through the Internet. There are many VPN services out there, you can refer to article 11 of the best VPN software to find yourself an appropriate VPN software.
2. Public network markup: If you are using Windows, when you connect for the first time, you will be asked to use the Public network or Private network, then Windows will change some important security settings on the type of network you connect to.

See also: How different is Private Network and Public Network on Windows?

1. Using HTTPS: Access the website that encrypts your information with HTTPS (Secure Hypertext Transfer Protocol) to ensure your connection is secure. It does this by checking the security certificates to make sure that the website you are connecting to is the correct website and by encrypting web traffic. You may know the site supports HTTPS when you see the lock icon next to the URL in the address bar and 'https' at the beginning of the URL.

1. Security when working with Wi-Fi Hotspot

Create mobile hotspot points

In addition to public WiFi hotspot points, you can also create your own hotspot. The smartphone may have hotspot settings, allowing you to share your mobile connection with other devices. This setting will depend on your phone and mobile service provider, but it is useful in cases where you need to connect to the network and there are no other options.

1. Instructions for using your phone as a Wi-Fi hotspot

However, there are some things to note, connecting this feature will consume more battery power, so make sure to have enough power to use or plug in the phone charger. In addition, most mobile network providers limit the amount of data you can use through the mobile hotspot feature. Even if you use an unlimited network data plan, you also see limited data for hotspots.

See more:

1. 9 best free wifi playback software and download link
2. How to change WiFi password (Wifi hotspot) on iphone
3. Some software helps computers, laptops to play free Wifi