You can’t see me: An SSID is your network’s unique identifier. Hide it so randos don’t see your Wi-Fi network when they’re scanning for nearby options. To do this, go into your router’s settings, look for Wireless Settings, and tap Disable SSID broadcast. “Kim, how the heck do I access the settings?” Go to No. 1 here.
How to stay safe on public Wi-Fi
You don’t leave your front door unlocked. So why would you use public Wi-Fi networks without protection? Defend your private data from cybercriminals in public places with these five tips.
Stay safe on public Wi-Fi networks by avoiding significant risks
If you listen to The Kim Komando Show and Kim’s podcasts, you know about digital dangers. Accessing the internet via public Wi-Fi networks can heighten these risks even more.
Cybercriminals use public Wi-Fi to spy on unsuspecting users like you. They’ll create fake networks called “honeypots” to steal your info. Despite these risks, many people still use public Wi-Fi to bank and shop.
Sound familiar? Doing this makes it easy for bad guys to steal your identity. They could steal your bank password, credit card details or Social Security number.
You’re not safe while traveling, either. A whopping 25% of tourists have been hacked through public Wi-Fi while abroad, TravelPulse reports.
It’s time to upgrade your security strategy. The next time you want to connect to public Wi-Fi, follow these four steps.
1. Be cautious
Public Wi-Fi is open to everyone, which makes it a prime target for criminals. And every device is susceptible, whether it’s your laptop, tablet or smartphone. Several threats lurk behind links and tucked into programs that seem legitimate otherwise.
Therefore, you need an offensive strategy whenever you join a public network. Here are some things you should be skeptical of:
- The network itself: Just because a public Wi-Fi network pops up and asks if you want to join doesn’t mean it’s legitimate. If you’re at a coffee shop or hotel, ask an employee for the specific name of their Wi-Fi network. Scammers will sometimes create networks called “Coffee Shop” or “Hotel Guest” to make you believe you’re connecting to the real thing when, actually, you’re not.
- Links: Scammers can make links look enticing — but it’s all a trick. Look for red flags like outrageous claims or download prompts.
Here’s a little trick. To see what’s hiding behind a hyperlink, see what shows up in the bottom left-hand corner of your screen when you hover your mouse over it.
5 steps to make sure hackers cannot access your home network and files
Hackers may have already compromised your network. Tap or click here for a free test to see if your router has been hacked. Keep reading for ways to protect your system from hackers.
This tip is brought to you by our sponsor, ExpressVPN. Protect your privacy. Get three months free when you sign up for one year at ExpressVPN.com/Kim.
How to find every Wi-Fi network password
Want to go back in time? Listen to this one-minute podcast to see every wireless network you’ve ever connected to … along with the network’s password.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
🔒 Getting back a hacked Facebook account: There are tricks — uploading a high-quality scan of your ID and connecting through your most-used Wi-Fi network — but hackers can still game the process. Do not let your business or personal life rely on your Facebook account. Always keep a copy of your profile. Here’s how.
Need help setting up your home security system? SimpliSafe is just a call away
By now, it’s crystal clear that a home security system is a literal lifesaver. Depending on your choice, your cameras can catch burglars and even call for emergency help. Despite the many benefits, a few key concerns stop people from buying one.
The 5 most annoying Alexa problems, solved
Smart speakers are great for listening to your favorite tunes, but they can do so much more. Thanks to voice assistants, a smart speaker can tell you the weather, give you a traffic report, answer random questions, set your thermostat, turn off the lights and turn on the TV. And more features are being added by developers all the time.
📶 Wi-Fi issues on Windows 11? Forget the network and start fresh. In the taskbar, click the network icon > the network status button (top left). Right-click the network you’re on, then hit Forget. Now, go back to the network icon, click the arrow next to the wireless icon, and re-add your Wi-Fi network. Lovely.
⚠️ It can happen anywhere: An Australian IT pro was caught running “evil twin” Wi-Fi attacks on flights and airports. He set up phony Wi-Fi networks to trick victims into logging in, and then he snagged their usernames and passwords for whatever they did. Pro tip: Always ask the flight staff for the real Wi-Fi network name.
⚠️ Urgent Windows update: Don’t use public Wi-Fi unless you’re running the latest update for Windows 10 and 11. It fixes a vulnerability that lets crooks take over your laptop just by connecting to the same Wi-Fi network. Go to System > About. If you see 14393.7070, 22621.3737 or 22631.3737, update right away.
Ring just made its biggest security change in years - Here's how to enable it
Ring cameras are incredibly useful to see what is going on in your house or in the backyard. By connecting them to your Wi-Fi network, you can see who is at the front door right from your mobile device.
While these video doorbells are a great way to fend off porch pirates, you shouldn’t leave your total home security up to them. Tap or click here for our home security comparison: DIY options vs. traditional home security.
Change your Wi-Fi password or face jail time
Here’s something to think about. If you don’t lock down your home’s Wi-Fi network, you could be charged with a crime you didn’t commit.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Google Chromecast: Set up, how to cast and hidden tricks
Most of the televisions on the market today are smart TVs with built-in apps for streaming and entertainment. But what do you do if you don’t have a smart TV and want to watch your favorite series on Netflix? That is where Google’s Chromecast comes in.
Update your browser now! Bug allows your phone to be hijacked
If you’re a fan of online privacy, you’ve probably already made the switch to Mozilla Firefox. The browser comes with a host of useful features that make your sessions less open to advertisers — like blocking third-party cookies by default.
How coffee makers and teddy bears could be putting your network at risk
When is the last time you bought a gadget that wasn’t internet connected? These days, it seems like almost every device is “smart,” which means the so-called internet of things (IoT) is growing massively.
But despite our best efforts, we might not be ready for all of our household items and gadgets to go online. Tap or click here to see how billions of IoT devices are vulnerable to this one simple security flaw.
How to detect hidden cameras in Vrbo, Airbnb and vacation rentals
You’re not paranoid — you are being watched. Facial-recognition cameras, store surveillance cameras, traffic cameras and more are all watching all the time.
Adding to the creep factor is the number of cases where cameras have been found in Vrbos, Airbnbs and other vacation rentals. Tap or click here for an Airbnb scam warning.
10 free things every Amazon Prime member gets, #6 is great
Amazon Prime is a service that allows people to get a whole suite of benefits. Of course, there are faster delivery times, but there are so many more things that people get.
7 clever ways hackers are stealing keyless cars
Wirelessly unlocking your car is convenient, but it comes at a price. The increasing number of keyless cars on the road has led to a new kind of crime — key fob hacks! With the aid of new cheap electronic accessories and techniques, a key fob’s signal is now relatively easy for criminals to intercept or block. Imagine a thief opening your car and driving away with it without setting off any alarms!
3 simple tricks for smoother video streaming
You’re settled comfortably on the couch for a family movie night or a marathon session of your favorite TV series. Without warning, your relaxing night turns into a nightmare as the streaming internet video keeps pausing to buffer. Fortunately, I can help you fix your video streaming problems so cable can stay a distant memory.
Is your dream of fast, high-quality Internet video streaming turning into a nightmare? Here’s how to fix it.