FBI warns Wi-Fi users over bank-draining mistake they must never make in public

THE FBI has a warning for anyone who uses public Wi-Fi.

It advises against using your phone for a common activity when not connected to a secure network.

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The FBI said on its website: “Be careful when connecting to a public Wi-Fi network and do not conduct any sensitive transactions, including purchases, when on a public network.”

A lot of people use banking apps or enter financial information into their smartphones while on public Wi-Fi.

This behavior puts that information at risk if you’re accidentally using a hacker network.

Cybercriminals have been known to set up fake Wi-Fi hotspots in public spaces with names similar to that of an official network.

You may spot this in an airport, cafe, or another spot where there is legitimate public Wi-Fi that can be taken advantage of.

Victims can unwittingly give hackers access to all the bank details they have stored on their devices.

The US security agency also advises making changes to your home network.

The FBI released a video targeted at people running political campaigns but the advice can also be applied to your router at home.

A special agent narrated the video and explained the importance of Wi-Fi router security.

Agent J.R began: “First, let’s cover how to access your router’s settings. A common way to access your router’s settings is to enter the following IP address into your web browser’s address bar while your computer is connected to the router. [192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1]

“Then a login screen will appear in your web browser with your router’s manufacturer name.

“Check your router’s user manual or the underside of your router for the default user name and password to log into your router.”

Once you’re able to log in, there are several things you must do.

Make sure you’ve changed your default password to something that’s difficult for hackers to guess.

Then, check for security or software updates.

You need to keep your router up to date as often as you can.