How To Prevent Windows From Connecting To Unsecured Wireless Networks?

Wireless networks are a kind of computer networks that are connected to each other by radio waves and not via cables of any type i.e., they use Radio Frequency (RF) Technology. Wireless networks are used to connect devices such as mobile phones, laptops, Smart TVs, or Smart Home Appliances to each other and to the Internet. Through the application of Wireless networks, the user is allowed to access the Internet without using cables, such that the user stays connected to the network but is not tethered to any wire, thus increasing mobility and range of connectivity of the network. In short radio waves simply function as wires without the physical restrictions of wires.

Types of Wireless Networks:

• LAN: Local Area Network
• WAN: Wide Area Network
• MAN: Metropolitan Area Network
• PAN: Personal Area Network

Unsecured Wireless Network:

An Unsecured Wireless Network is a type of Wireless Network that does not make use of any security encryption of any kind. Securely encrypted Wireless Networks safeguard vulnerable data during transmission so that no system connected to the network can access any other system connected to the network or the connection to the internet which could seriously jeopardize the safety of the connected users. An Unsecured Wireless Network is usually a free Wi-Fi, for e.g., Wi-Fi at Railway Stations or Restaurants. An unsecured Wi-Fi does ask for any kind of password or login at the time when the user connects to it.

Disadvantages:

Login Information Interception: Over an unsecured connection, the data communicated can be intercepted by malicious software or hackers or third parties looking to extract login information such as login ID and login password of users and can subsequently cause fraud.

Implant virus:

It Can download viruses/Trojan horses/malware on the user’s device and may cause a spam attack or extract sensitive information such as banking details which may lead to illegally transferring and stealing money from the user’s bank account. The best way to safeguard your data while connected over an open Wi-Fi connection is to use a VPN which also hides the IP address so that you don’t give out any information about your computer and stay hidden and protected from third parties.

Prevention:

• Step 1: Connect to the open Wi-Fi.

• Step 2: Go to System Settings → Network & Internet.

• Step 3: Go to Advance Network Settings.

• Step 4: Click on the drop-down of Wi-Fi → View Additional Properties.

• Step 5: Go to Advanced Network Settings → Windows Firewall.
• Step 6: Turn on the firewall for the public network.

• Step 7: Go to Network & Internet → Wi-Fi → Manage known networks.
• Step 8: Click on the connected Wi-Fi → uptick the checkbox “Connect automatically when in range”.

Check Network Security:

• Step 1: Go to Control Panel → Network and Internet.

• Step 2: Click on Network Sharing Center.
• Step 3: Double-click on the name of the Wi-Fi.

• Step 4: A Wi-Fi Status pop-up box opens up →Wireless properties.

• Step 5: In the connection tab in Wi-Fi Wireless Network Properties uncheck the checkbox ‘connect automatically when this network is in range’.

• Step 6: Go to the Security tab in the Wi-Fi Wireless Network Properties.

If the security type has ‘No authentication’ and the Encryption type is None then the network is unsecured and if the security type has WPA2 – Personal or any of the shown Encryption types is AES That means that you are connected to a secured connection.