Most of us are smart enough not to do our Internet banking using a computer we’re not familiar with, but did you know, you’re also quite vulnerable when you jump onto that free Wi-Fi connection you might encounter while out doing whatever it is you’re doing, or while abroad?

No, we didn’t think so. Because, like most of you, we thought we’d be pretty safe using that connection, with our own mobile phone or tablet.

But this just isn’t the case, according to some experts.

These paid password-protected networks also put us at risk. And according to Marian Merritt, Internet safety advocate at one of the world’s most famous computer safety manufacturers – Norton Anti-Virus – we face two main risks when we use one of these types of connections:

Someone can track your online movements via the network you’re logged on to, and they can also trick you into using a “fake” hot spot. How? Well that’s the easy part: either by offering it up for free, or mimicking the name of a legitimate one. This makes it relatively simple for a hacker, to amongst other things, see your passwords, mail, social networks, bank accounts, documents, and more.

A year ago, one in 10 social network users reported their accounts were hacked, today, that figure is sitting at roughly one in six.

Thanks, Business Insider, for these safety tips:

Set up your phone’s security:

Switch off the wireless connection when you’re not using it. Also, don’t forget that your device, especially if it’s an Android, is vulnerable to malicious software. Norton, ESET, and Sophos all offer good mobile security and antivirus apps for smart phones.

Use long and strong passwords:

Make your passwords difficult to hack — and unique, so if one is stolen it can’t be used to unlock other accounts. Use a digital password manager if you have trouble remembering them all; Lyne recommends 1Password and LastPass.

Make sure the network is legit and encrypted:

Don’t assume that a hot spot is real just because the name that pops up in your phone looks correct. If you’re at a hotel or café, ask a manager to confirm the name of its network — and that the network is encrypted (i.e., locked and password protected). While online, stay on encrypted channels by using the website prefix https (rather than http).

Use a VPN (virtual private network):

Even if you’re on a password-protected network, there’s still the possibility that someone will intercept your transmissions. To ensure absolute privacy, use a VPN service, which basically creates a network-within-a-network just for you.

The new Norton Hotspot Privacy service will also route all your traffic through a private connection.

Buy a data plan:

As a general rule (unless News of the World had you in its sights), your cellular network is secure. So when in doubt, stick to your wireless carrier.

Be careful out there gang.

[Source: BusinessInsider]