Protect yourself when using public Wi-Fi

Help protect yourself when using an unsecure Wi-Fi connection
Use these tips to help protect yourself when using an unsecure Wi-Fi connection.

• Avoid connecting to suspicious Wi-Fi networks. Hackers often attempt to trick people by using slightly misspelled Wi-Fi network names or suspicious network names like Free PUBLIC WI-FI. Be especially careful to not connect to personal hotspots or to ad-hoc networks (also known as direct Wi-Fi connections) that you don't know and trust.
  
• Use AT&T Mobile Security & Call Protect. Find out how to protect your mobile phone from unsafe apps, files, and nuisance calls.
  
• Select apps that use encryption and are well rated in your app store. Some apps may contain holes allowing hackers to access personal and private information found on your wireless device.
  
• Use strong passwords. Create strong, highly secure passwords for any services that handle messaging, calling, voicemail, or email accessed through a Web browser from your device.
  
• Verify that you're signing in via the Wi-Fi service provider's authentication page. Be aware of fraudulent Wi-Fi hotspots installed near public hotspots with the same name. These evil-twin hotspots resemble the authentic network sign-in page. If you sign in to a service resembling the authentic network your data may be at risk.
  
• Be aware that hackers may be able to monitor your communications. If you are using a compromised network, your personal or private information could be at risk. Use of encryption can help reduce the risks. Always consider the risks when deciding your online activities.
  
• Learn to manage Wi-Fi on your device. Learn to manage Wi-Fi on your mobile device every time you're in range of a network.
  
• Ensure your Web-based email is secure. While your connection may be highly secure, you'll want to make sure that your individual email message is also secure.
  

Note: When using AT&T Yahoo! Mail, you'll need to turn on Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) in att.net webmail to encrypt your entire mail session, including the body of the email - otherwise the content of your emails will remain unsecured, even though your connection is secure.

Turn on SSL in your att.net webmail in just a few steps. Once signed in to your email, select Mail Options from the drop-down menu on the top right of the page. Then, in the General section, select Turn on SSL.

See additional resources below on Wi-Fi and other ways to protect your personal information:

• AT&T Mobile Security & Call Protect for Android¹ helps protect your mobile phone from unsafe apps and files and allows you to take more control over nuisance calls. Learn more.
• For information on AT&T Wi-Fi, hotspots, and plans, visit the AT&T Wi-Fi website.
• Learn to keep your personal information and devices secure on the AT&T Security Information page.

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