Public Wi-Fi Privacy and Safety

When you connect to unsecured public Wi-Fi networks, including Wi-Fi at Toronto Public Library branches, other people might be able to see any information you send or receive over the internet. Take these steps to protect your privacy.

Don't perform sensitive tasks

Wait to perform sensitive tasks like online banking until you have a trusted (non-public) Wi-Fi connection. Always make sure that such tasks are done through secure websites.

To tell if a website is secure:

• Look for the green padlock icon in the URL address bar.
• Make sure the website address begins with https, not http

For more security, you can also install the browser extension HTTPS Everywhere. It encrypts your communications with many major websites. It is available for Firefox, Chrome and Opera desktop/laptop browsers as well as for Firefox for Android.

Keep your device and software up to date

Keep your system up to date. Outdated software often has security vulnerabilities. Updates can provide patches for these vulnerabilities. Check for updates for your:

• operating system
• anti-virus software
• anti-malware/spyware
• browser
• apps

Use a VPN

A VPN (Virtual Private Network) encrypts your web traffic and pushes it through a secure server before routing it out onto the public internet. This means that your initial communications are secure AND it means that trackers and others cannot locate your device.

There are many VPN services, and most of them charge a monthly fee. Read more about VPNs before choosing to use one. VPNs are available for all devices that connect to the Internet.

Turn Wi-Fi and Bluetooth off when not needed

Turn Wi-Fi off when you’re not online:

• On an Android device, swipe down from the top of the screen and tap the Wi-Fi icon. It is ON by default and so your tap will turn it OFF. Tap again to turn back ON.
• On an iOS device, swipe up from the bottom of the screen and tap the Wi-Fi icon to disable it. Another tap turns it back on.
• On a Windows device, select the Wi-Fi icon on the taskbar (usually on the right-hand side) to switch it ON or OFF.
• On a Mac (OSX) device, go to System Preferences - Network - Wi-Fi OFF.

The same applies to Bluetooth - if you are not actively using a Bluetooth-connected accessory, turn Bluetooth off.

Turn off network sharing

Turn off network sharing on your laptop or phone. This will stop your device from trying to connect to other local computers, and stop other devices from connecting to you.

• On a Windows device, turn off File and Print Sharing through the following path: Control Panel > Network and the Internet > Network and Sharing Center > Change Advanced Sharing Settings > Public > Turn off file and printer sharing.
• On a Mac (OSX) device, ensure that the File Sharing box is unchecked. It can be located through the following path: System Preferences > Sharing.
• On an iOS device, ensure that AirDrop is turned off. Swipe up from the bottom of the screen and look at the AirDrop button. If it doesn't say "Receiving Off," tap it and select "Receiving Off."

Keep your firewall on

Keep your firewall program enabled (ON) at all times.

• On a Windows device, find the Firewall on/off switch through the following path: Control Panel > Network and Internet > System and Security > Windows Firewall > Turn Firewall On or Off.
• On a Mac (OSX) device, find the Firewall ON button through the following path: System Preferences > Security and Privacy > Firewall.