public_wi-fi
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=====Using public Wi-Fi===== | =====Using public Wi-Fi===== | ||
It can often be convenient to connect to public Wi-Fi. But bear in mind that you are connecting to a fundamentally untrusted third party network. | It can often be convenient to connect to public Wi-Fi. But bear in mind that you are connecting to a fundamentally untrusted third party network. | ||
- | ====Key | + | ====Key |
- | * [[#Provide fake details where you can|provide | + | * [[#Provide fake details where you can|Provide |
- | * [[#If you have to give an email address, using a unique one|if you have to give an email address, give a unique one]]Â | + | * [[#If you have to give an email address, using a unique one|If you have to give an email address, give a unique one]]Â |
- | * [[# | + | * [[# |
- | * [[#Run a VPN over the connection, as soon as you can|run a VPN over the connection, as soon as you can, or use Tor]]Â | + | * [[#Run a VPN over the connection, as soon as you can|Run a VPN over the connection, as soon as you can, or use Tor]]Â |
- | * [[#Tethering|if in doubt, don't connect: tether your phone instead]] | + | * [[#Connect using your phone instead|If in doubt, don't connect: tether your phone instead]] |
====Provide fake details where you can==== | ====Provide fake details where you can==== | ||
You'll often be asked for your title, name, and possibly even your address or other irrelevant information. | You'll often be asked for your title, name, and possibly even your address or other irrelevant information. | ||
- | There' | + | If you can get away with giving fake details |
- | Â | + | |
- | If you can get away with giving fake details, it' | + | |
(Alternatively, | (Alternatively, | ||
====If you have to give an email address, using a unique one ==== | ====If you have to give an email address, using a unique one ==== | ||
- | If you need to sign up with an email address, use a [[unique_email_addresses|unique email address]] for that service. | + | If you need to sign up with an email address, use a [[passwords# |
====Don' | ====Don' | ||
- | Even if the connection is encrypted, | + | Even if the connection is encrypted, you cannot be sure that it is a " |
- | Anyone can set the broadcast name of a Wi-Fi network | + | So even if you see a network |
- | But if anyone can set any network name that they want, how do you know that the network called “Starbucks”, | + | If you permit your device |
- | If you permit | + | When you join a network, |
- | When you join a network, your operating system may prompt you to say if you want to " | + | For example, in macOS, you need to untick the box " |
+ | Â | ||
+ | {{: | ||
====Run a VPN over the connection, as soon as you can==== | ====Run a VPN over the connection, as soon as you can==== | ||
If you do want to use the Wi-Fi, run a [[virtual_private_networks|VPN session]] over it. Or you could use [[tor|Tor]]. | If you do want to use the Wi-Fi, run a [[virtual_private_networks|VPN session]] over it. Or you could use [[tor|Tor]]. | ||
- | Some Wi-Fi networks block VPNs, and some block Tor. In those cases, don't use that Wi-Fi network — why would you want to trust a network which is trying to stop you operating securely? Consider tethering instead. | + | Some Wi-Fi networks block VPNs, and some block Tor. In those cases, don't use that Wi-Fi network — why would you want to trust a network which is trying to stop you operating securely? Consider |
- | ===Wi-Fi which requires a login may not work=== | + | ===Wi-Fi which requires a login may not work if you use a VPN=== |
Wi-Fi which requires a login page (a “captive portal”) may not work if your VPN is attempting to connect automatically. Typically, a captive portal requirse you to connect to it without going through your VPN, as you need to connect to their login page directly. | Wi-Fi which requires a login page (a “captive portal”) may not work if your VPN is attempting to connect automatically. Typically, a captive portal requirse you to connect to it without going through your VPN, as you need to connect to their login page directly. | ||
If you need to communicate with a “captive portal” without connecting to the VPN, that gives an opportunity for a malicious actor to acquire information from your device, or see where your device is trying to send traffic. | If you need to communicate with a “captive portal” without connecting to the VPN, that gives an opportunity for a malicious actor to acquire information from your device, or see where your device is trying to send traffic. | ||
- | You might just want to avoid these hotspots. | + | The best approach is to avoid these hotspots. |
+ | Â | ||
+ | ====Connect using your phone instead====Â | ||
+ | Â | ||
+ | If you do not trust the network less than you trust your mobile network operator, you may be better off connecting your computer to the Internet via your phone' | ||
+ | Â | ||
+ | You might want to run a [[virtual_private_networks|VPN]], | ||
+ | Â | ||
+ | You can normally tether via a USB cable, or else over Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. Using Wi-Fi or Bluetooth has the advantage that you can leave your phone in your pocket, but it comes at the cost of draining your // | ||
+ | Â | ||
+ | ===Tethering on iOS ===Â | ||
+ | Â | ||
+ | If you use an iPhone or iPad, rather than calling it " | ||
+ | Â | ||
+ | Guidance for setting it up is [[https:// | ||
- | ====Tethering==== | ||
- | May be better off connecting to your phone, rather than relying on some questionable Wi-Fi. Depending on how much you trust your mobile phone provider. |
public_wi-fi.1564936887.txt.gz · Last modified: 2021/07/06 09:26 (external edit)