Connect to Wi-Fi securely
Learn to connect to Wi-Fi securely and avoid unsafe Wi-Fi networks to minimize the risk of security breaches.
Features are subject to availability. The steps may look different depending on your device.
Why free Wi-Fi is risky
We often find ourselves in public places struggling to find an internet connection. While using public or free Wi-Fi may be tempting, it can be risky. Even if a network has a password, it may be unencrypted. When you use an unencrypted network, anyone in your vicinity can monitor your internet activity, including the sites you visit and information you enter on them.
What is encryption?
Encryption is just a way of making the info you save to Google more secure. Using a unique key, your info is made impossible to read by anyone else. Then, the only way to read the information is by unlocking it with the same unique key.
When a Wi-Fi network is encrypted, your browsing data is protected from malicious actors trying to see it.
Connect to Wi-Fi securely
If you must use public Wi-Fi, you can take the following steps to be safe:
- Verify the network: Check with a trusted person to confirm that the network you are about to log on to is the correct one. Scammers can fake Wi-Fi names to appear to be legitimate. For example, if your local coffee shop has multiple Wi-Fi networks, ask an employee which one you should use. A fake network may even spoof a landing page, so it’s best to confirm with a person.
- Limit sensitive actions: Don’t do anything requiring your most sensitive information while on a public Wi-Fi network. Wait until you are on a private, secure network to do things like access your bank account.
- Use Google Chrome: Chrome will alert you if your connection is not secure.
- Check the URL: If you are using Chrome, check for a gray, fully-closed lock symbol in the URL field, which means the URL is secure.
- Use a VPN: You can use a virtual private network (VPN) to connect securely to a public network by encrypting your connection. Learn more about VPNs below.
Virtual Private Networks (VPNs)
VPNs prevent hijackers from intercepting your browsing data when you use unsecure networks, like public Wi-Fi, by creating a private, encrypted connection between your device and the internet. VPNs also protect your online identity by masking your IP address.
You can add a VPN to your Google Account through Google One. Some Google One plans have a VPN already included. Learn more about how to set up a VPN with Google One.
Protect your home Wi-Fi
At home, protect yourself by making sure your home network is encrypted and requires a password.
A router using WPA3 (or “Wireless Protected Access 3”) protocol provides the best level of security for your home network. Depending on the device, you may be able to go to your Wifi network’s Settings to identify your router’s current protocol.
If you use Google Nest Wifi or Google Wifi, learn how to turn on WPA3 transition mode from your Google Home app.
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