Users data at risk on public Wi-Fi, says report

LAHORE: Public Wi-Fi is quite popular at cafes, airports, or abroad during vacation or business trips. Despite the convenience and perceived necessity of staying connected, these common situations require vigilance to ensure the safety and protection of personal data.

It is important to be aware of security considerations when connecting to these unrestricted networks. Sometimes, scammers create fake Wi-Fi networks or compromise existing ones. They may use names that are very similar to legitimate networks to trick users into connecting. Once connected, personal information such as social media logins, banking details and email addresses become vulnerable to interception and misuse.

However, the CM Maryam Nawaz Free Wi-Fi is safe for the users as they are not asked to provide their details while login to use it. The Punjab government initially has launched free Wi-Fi access for emergency use in Lahore, instead of signup Wi-Fi service to protect the user data leakage.

International cybersecurity company, Kaspersky, in a recent awareness report launched for free Wi-Fi users identified there are effective ways users can protect themselves and ensure their data remains secure despite the concerns of date stealing on free public Wi-Fi spots.

Sohaib Sultan Deputy Chief Telecommunication Punjab Safe City Authority talking to The News said that users’ data on CM Maryam Nawaz Free Wi-Fi is protected and safe as no signup details are asked from them which is different than earlier Punjab Free Wi-Fi services in which signup details were required. The step is taken to avoid the misuse of user data as once the information is fetched by the network anyone within the system can sell the information for meagre gains.

‘The project was launched on 2 May, 2024, with 50 spots in Lahore now expanded to 200 sites and the target is 450 sites. Furthermore, in the next phase, this service is expanded to Kasur and Nankana and finally to all 41 districts of Punjab’, Sultan added. The free Wi-Fi service is provided from an already deployed safe city network which is connected with the fibre and strict security firewalls and other system security protocols.

These are also highly secure and strictly monitored. The government’s demand was deployment of free Wi-Fi services in the designated public places, especially schools, hospitals, parks, etc. The PSCA already has 1,700 camera sites in Lahore. The PSCA deployed CM Maryam Nawaz Free Wi-Fi using these access points which brought the cost of the project to zero as these Wi-Fi hotspots are enabled at the designated points.

These sites are enabled in accordance with the general audience requirements of free connectivity with the internet in emergency situations. The emergency could be any type in which one needed to contact someone but did not have data available with him. However, the use of Social Entertainment Apps, including Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, TikTok and others are blocked on free Wi-Fi hotspots.

Sultan mentioned that currently 65,000 users are daily login in the free Wi-Fi system while more than 4 million access the free internet under the CM Maryam Nawaz Free Wi-Fi since the launch which is only two months.

To navigate potential risks safely, Kaspersky experts have crafted a set of safe practices for using unrestricted networks.The experts advised to use public Wi-Fi networks only when absolutely necessary due to their potential security vulnerabilities. When using public Wi-Fi, confirming the legitimacy of the network with the facility’s staff can help to prevent connections to deceptive networks that may capture personal information. If it requests login credentials through external platforms such as social networks, this is a warning sign. Such requests can indicate a phishing attempt aimed at capturing personal information. The experts recommend avoiding digital financial transactions using public Wi-Fi.

This practice significantly reduces the risk of sensitive data interception. Using a VPN while on public Wi-Fi can significantly improve one’s internet privacy. Modern VPNs encrypt data and shield online activities from unauthorised access, and their use does not notably affect internet speed, making them suitable for continuous use.

Following these tips and using a reliable VPN ensures that a user’s browsing experience on public Wi-Fi networks remains private. As well as providing data encryption, some comprehensive security solutions protect against various cyber risks like phishing.

In addition, VPNs can be used continuously, not just in particular scenarios like connecting to open Wi-Fi networks. Moreover, high-quality VPN services do not compromise internet speed, allowing users to enjoy full protection without experiencing significant reductions in their browsing or download speeds.

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Minister stresses solid steps to tackle urban flooding

By our correspondent

LAHORE: Monsoon operations will be monitored through Safe City cameras.It was decided in a meeting held at the Wasa headquarters under the chair of Minister for Local Government Zeeshan Rafiq.

The meeting was attended by Commissioner Zaid bin Maqsood, Deputy Commissioner Rafia Haider, Wasa Managing Director Ghufran Ahmad and LWMC Managing Director Babar Sahib Deen. During the meeting, detailed reviews of the arrangements to tackle the rains during the

monsoon were conducted. Wasa MD Ghufran Ahmad briefed the minister on the monsoon plan.

The minister directed that special attention be given to 31 underpasses in City during the rains, emphasising that traffic flow should not be disrupted during the cleaning operations. He directed that staff from LWMC, MCL and LDA be deployed at Wasa relief camps. All the line departments were urged to work cohesively to ensure maximum facilitation for the general public, in line with the vision of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. The CM has instructed that the same dedication, shown during Eidul Azha cleanup efforts, be applied during the monsoon season, the minister said.

He warned that no slackness would be tolerated in achieving the targets set by the chief minister. Zeeshan Rafiq mentioned that the central monsoon control room was established at the Wasa office, with representatives from the Municipal Corporation Lahore, LDA and LWMC present there. He stated that officers must remain in the field during rain and until the water is fully drained.

The minister called for a comparison of rainfall and management measures with those of other regional countries. He stressed that all possible steps would be taken to tackle urban flooding. Noting some deficiencies at certain locations, he strictly instructed that staff must use gloves while performing drainage work.

Zeeshan Rafiq stated that there are 12 disposal and 112 lift stations operated by Wasa in Lahore. The number of emergency relief camps under Wasa’s management will be increased from the current 22. He also directed the MCL to establish its own emergency camps.

The minister asked the deputy commissioner for detailed monsoon plans at the tehsil level in Lahore and instructed the Wasa MD to personally inspect the drainage arrangements at the underpasses located on the Ring Road.

Commissioner Zaid bin Maqsood informed that arrangements were reviewed in joint meetings after rain. He mentioned that the drainage process was completed in most areas of City within half an hour after the rain the previous day. Wasa MD Ghufran Ahmad reported that 5,900 field workers work in shifts around the clock. In anticipation of heavier rains, better arrangements have been made compared to last year, he added.