As more people rely on internet connectivity […]

As more people rely on internet connectivity to access social media, send emails and conduct online transactions, technology expert Brenda Zulu has urged Zambians to exercise caution when using public Wi-Fi networks to protect their personal information.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with Zambian Business Times-ZBT Zulu noted users should priorities personal internet connections where possible, as public networks may expose them to security risks, particularly when adequate safeguards are not in place.

 “In digital safety, we say that you are better off just using your personal Wi-Fi because the public one can be accessed by other people too,” she said.

 She noted it could be difficult for victims of cybercrime to establish how their accounts had been compromised, as many only realize something is wrong after losing access to their email, social media or other online accounts.

 “The only thing we are worried about at that time is that, ‘Oh no, I have lost my email, I have lost my social media or whatever account,’” Zulu said.

She noted that although people experience account breaches, they may not know how the incidents occurred or whether connecting to public Wi-Fi played a role.

 Zulu also advised users to secure their personal Wi-Fi networks with passwords to prevent unauthorized access. On the use of virtual private networks (VPNs), she distinguished between free and paid services, suggesting that paid options could be considered for people who use VPNs over extended periods.

However, users should carefully assess the privacy and security practices of VPN providers before choosing a service, as a VPN does not guarantee complete protection against cyber threats or prevent all forms of data theft.

Article by Karen Ngulube