13 Oct 2023
Are you one of Indian expats in Australia who want to keep in touch with their families back in India? Public Wi-Fi hotspots are one of the best ways to connect to the internet when you're on the go so you can connect with your loved ones back home instantly. But public Wi-Fi has many security risks that make it less than ideal. In this piece, we'll talk about the dangers of public Wi-Fi networks and give helpful advice on how you can securely send money to India from Australia and how Indian expats in Australia can stay safe online.
Public Wi-Fi has changed how you stay in touch with friends and family while on the go. Free Wi-Fi networks make it easy to check your email, look at social media, and get important information whether you are in a café, an airport, or a shopping mall. For Indians who have moved to Australia, keeping in touch with family and friends back home often means sending or receiving money online. But before you connect to the closest public Wi-Fi network to send money to India, knowing the risks hiding behind these connections is essential.
Where internet usage makes countless things easy for you in day-to-day routines, you are prone to several risks, Public Wi-Fi networks are one of these key risks. Let’s have a closer look at some major Public Wifi Pitfalls you should be aware of.
Public Wi-Fi networks are often unsafe, so cybercriminals use them often. These evil people can steal your information by intercepting your data and getting their hands on your personal and financial details. Once they have your information, they can steal your name, make purchases without your permission, or do other nasty things.
When you join a public Wi-Fi network, you share the same network with strangers. This means other people on the same network can listen to what you do online, like moving money to India or checking your bank account. Your private information can be seen by anyone who wants to.
Cybercriminals often set up fake Wi-Fi networks with names that sound like the names of real ones. When you connect to these counterfeit networks without knowing it, hackers can steal your information and change what you do online. This kind of attack is called a "man-in-the-middle" attack and can lead to bad things.
Public Wi-Fi networks can be a good place for spreading ransomware. When you connect to an open network, malware can be downloaded to your device. This can make your data and device less safe.
Most public Wi-Fi networks do not have encryption, so your information is sent as clear text. Without encryption, your sensitive information is out, and anyone who knows how to intercept it can get to it quickly.
Now that you have learned the potential dangers of public Wi-Fi networks, let's delve into practical steps for Indian expats in Australia to stay safe while using these hotspots. These tips will help you make a secure money transfer from Australia to India and protect your entire online activities simultaneously.
A VPN is a powerful tool that protects your online privacy and security by encrypting your internet link. When you link to a VPN server, your data is sent through an encrypted tunnel, making it almost impossible for cybercriminals to read. Invest in a VPN service from a reputable company to send money to India or look at personal information without being watched.
Choose Wi-Fi networks that are protected by a password; even though no network is entirely safe from threats, in general, protected networks are safer than open, public ones.
Adding another protection measure to your accounts can save your life. Enable two-factor authentication everywhere you can, especially on banking and financial apps. This ensures that even if someone gets a hold of your login information, they can only log in with the second authentication method.
Always check the URL for "https://" before entering personal or banking information on a site. This means that the link is safe and encrypted. If a website doesn't have this secure protocol, you should not enter personal information on it.
Make sure that your gadget's operating system and apps are always up to date. Updates often include security patches that fix known problems with your device.
After using a public Wi-Fi network, turn off your device and "forget" about the web. This will stop your device from immediately reconnecting in the future, making it less likely that your data will be shared without your knowledge.
Turn on your device's built-in firewall to watch and filter all network traffic coming in and going out. Firewalls can help keep your device safe by blocking possible threats.
Always check the network's name and credentials before you join. Cybercriminals may set up networks with words that sound like they belong to an honest company but are just traps. If you need to figure out the correct network name, ask a worker or member of staff.
If you can help it, do not do sensitive things like sending money to India from Australia or logging into your bank account on a public Wi-Fi network. Wait until you're on a link that you know and trust.
Stay up to date on the latest risks and best practices in cybersecurity. Your best security against cyber threats is to know about them.
Indians who live in Australia but are from India often and quickly need to send money to India. Most of the time, it is best to avoid doing banking transactions on public Wi-Fi networks, but if you have to, take these extra steps:
If you want to send money to India, use a safe payment platform like ACE Money Transfer. Most of the time, these services have vital security steps in place.
Before accepting a money transfer, you should double-check the recipient's details, such as their bank account number and IFSC code. The money could be sent to the right person if this information is correct.
Many banks and payment apps can send SMS or email alerts when a transaction happens. Turn on these alerts so you will immediately know about suspicious or illegal transactions.
Ensure your banking and payment apps' passwords are always current. Use secure passwords that are different for each account.
Check your bank and payment app statements often to see if there have been any strange or unauthorised activities. Tell your bank or payment service source about any problems right away.
If you need help with a transaction or have questions, ask your bank or payment service provider's customer support.
ACE Money Transfer is a trusted and convenient platform that allows you to securely send money to your loved ones anywhere in the world. With a user-friendly interface, zero fees, and competitive exchange rates, ACE Money Transfer ensures your funds reach their destination quickly and safely. Whether you send money online to India from Australia or assist friends abroad, ACE Money Transfer offers a reliable solution for hassle-free international money transfers.
The Way Forward
Public Wi-Fi networks have become essential to your digital lives because they are easy to use and get to. But they also pose significant security risks, especially for Indian expats in Australia who send money back to India or look at private financial information online. Using public Wi-Fi carefully and following the tips in this piece, you can keep your personal information and financial transactions safe from cyber threats.
Remember that getting a good VPN, turning on two-factor authentication, and being careful online can significantly protect your digital identity. Even though public Wi-Fi networks may be tempting, you should always prioritise your safety. Stay safe, stay in touch with your loved ones, and feel secure when you send money to India online from Australia by using ACE Money Transfer. Besides unbreakable security, you benefit from Fee-Free transfers, which adds to your savings.
FAQs
What is a VPN, and why should I use it when connecting to public Wi-Fi networks?
A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, is a tool that encrypts your internet traffic, making it much more secure and private. Connecting to a public Wi-Fi network through a VPN adds an extra layer of security, protecting your data from potential eavesdropping or interception by cyber criminals.
How can I verify the authenticity of a public Wi-Fi network before connecting?
To verify a public Wi-Fi network's authenticity, you can ask for the correct network name and password from a trusted source, such as the venue's staff or an official website. Avoid connecting to open, unsecured networks, and be cautious of networks with generic names like “Free Wi-Fi.”
What is HTTPS, and why is it essential for secure browsing?
HTTPS stands for Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure. It's a secure version of the standard HTTP used for website connections. Websites that use HTTPS encrypt the data exchanged between your browser and the website, making it difficult for anyone to intercept or tamper with the information. Look for the padlock symbol in your browser's address bar when visiting sites to ensure they use HTTPS.
Can I conduct online banking or send money to India over public Wi-Fi networks?
While it's generally advisable to avoid conducting sensitive financial transactions over public Wi-Fi, if you must do so, take extra precautions. Use secure and reputable banking or payment apps, enable two-factor authentication (2FA), double-check recipient details, and regularly monitor your accounts for any unauthorised activity.
How often should I update my device and app software?
It's essential to keep your device's operating system and apps current. Manufacturers release updates, including security patches, regularly. Set your device and apps to update automatically whenever possible to protect you against known vulnerabilities.
