Cybersecurity instructor shares public Wi-Fi safety tips on 630 CHED

NAIT expert avoids public networks when possible

“This topic sent shivers down my spine,” said Daryl McIntyre (Radio and Television Arts ’83) before he introduced Cybersecurity program chair John Zabiuk on the Dec. 5 installment of This Morning on 630 CHED.

That topic was staying safe while using public Wi-Fi – a conversation inspired by the harrowing story of an Alberta woman who believes hackers stole money from her bank when she accessed her account via her phone during a trip to Las Vegas.

Are public Wi-Fi networks, such as those in airports, restaurants and hotels, safe? McIntyre wondered. Or do they make us vulnerable?

“There’s always a possibility,” said Zabiuk (Computer Systems Technology ’91, Bachelor of Applied Information Systems Technology ’03). Here’s what he told hosts McIntyre and Stacey Brotzel (Radio and Television Arts ’94) about keeping your data, and more, secure.

Listen to NAIT Cybersecurity chair John Zabiuk’s public Wi-Fi safety tips on 630 CHED

• Consider using a VPN. “Everything that you do on that [virtual private] network will be encrypted,” said Zabiuk. “Even if someone can eavesdrop on it, they won’t be able to see what you’re doing.”
• Beware of fake networks. In some cases, you may think you’re connecting to the coffee shop's network “but in fact you’re not.” Sophisticated hackers can set up networks that mimic others, giving them a window onto your activities if you sign on.
• If it’s too easy to connect, question it. A legitimate public network will usually ask you to sign on, said Zabiuk. If it doesn’t, leave it. (And don’t worry – accessing a dangerous network isn’t enough to compromise your data if you don’t do anything while you’re there.)

Does Zabiuk use public Wi-Fi? Brotzel asked in closing.

“I typically do not,” said Zabiuk.