09 Jun 2023
Free Wi-Fi! Have you ever discovered it is written somewhere? You have undoubtedly seen it written in numerous locations, including bus stops, university cafes, railway stations, restaurants, bookstores and airports. Typically, overseas workers and expatriates look for such free services to do instant online tasks on the go, such as replying to or sending messages from friends or colleagues, making voice notes, etc. Like expats from other developing nations, Bangladeshi overseas workers are no exception who settle abroad to earn better and send money to Bangladesh for financial support. Should these expatriates use free public Wi-Fi networks?
Nowadays, you can find free Wi-Fi nearly everywhere. People who frequently travel, work from home or want to quickly check their email and social media while out and about will find Wi-Fi convenient. While no Wi-Fi network is 100% safe, the sort of Wi-Fi network you use significantly impacts the security of your data. Your home Wi-Fi should be secure since it is not a public network.
However, the free Wi-Fi you may access in public places like airports, doctor's offices, coffee shops, and other places is an entirely different problem. With the development of technology, being connected to the rest of the world is now simpler than ever. But there are risks associated with all that connectivity. Your financial information may be at risk if you use public Wi-Fi to transfer money, which is one such risk.
Let’s talk about the dangers of using public Wi-Fi in this blog, along with advice on how to keep protected when sending money to Bangladesh from overseas.
Can it be dangerous to use public Wi-Fi? Even though it sounds dramatic, online security is a crucial issue. Public Wi-Fi networks don't require users to log in before they can use them. This implies that anyone may join the network. If you still need to protect your data properly, anyone in the same network, even hackers, can access it.
Users of public Wi-Fi networks may face security risks, especially on sites where they are the product. When you use Facebook or Google for free, you are the product, not the customer. They are selling information about you. Security is a priority only in hindsight. Because of this, it is strongly suggested that you refrain from using these kinds of sites on public Wi-Fi.
In the worst case, that information could be used to steal someone's identity or get money from them. Especially if you are making a money transfer to Bangladesh using public Wi-Fi, you are likely risking your credentials. Other less serious but more common problems that can happen when you use public Wi-Fi without taking the right precautions are:
A "hot spot" is where people can get online, like an airport, a restaurant, or a college. Malicious hot spots may look real, but they aren't. When you connect to an unauthorised Wi-Fi network, cybercriminals can often steal your passwords, install harmful software, and spy on your device.
Hackers can get into your devices when you connect to a fake Wi-Fi network or hotspot. This lets an attack called "man-in-the-middle" happen. When you attempt to connect to a specific website, such as your bank, the malicious hotspot redirects you to a website that resembles your bank's but is not secure. Hackers take your password, credit card number, email address, and other private information when you type it in. Most of the time, it's done so smoothly that people only notice once it's too late.
"Evil twin" attacks are similar to "man-in-the-middle" attacks. They happen when bad people set up a network with a name that sounds much like the one you want to use, hoping you'll connect to it by mistake. The goal is to use phishing attacks or trick you into giving out your personal information.
Even if you use HTTPS to connect to a legitimate website on a legitimate network, cybercriminals may still be able to monitor the websites you visit. Because the DNS, or domain name system, is only sometimes encrypted. What this means is that hackers may be able to see the domain name of the sites you visit, such as RD.com, but not the specific pages you see or the information you enter.
Online money transfer to Bangladesh from another country can be a quick and cost-effective way to help your family. But it would be best if you were careful to keep your financial information safe. These are some safety precautions you can take:
The best way to stay safe, especially when sending money home from abroad, is not to use public wifi. These types of open and insecure internet connections can potentially risk your privacy and information and make your credentials prone to be attacked by hackers. Using a private and secure network is always recommended where your information remains protected without involving any risks of being attacked.
You may get emails inquiring about your data and information. The most crucial thing to remember is that trusted and regulated companies never ask for private information via untrusted or malicious emails. To stay safe, you shouldn't act on any malicious emails, and you should just delete or ignore them. Also, if someone calls you pretending to be from your bank, don't give them any secret information right away. Give yourself time to think about how to respond to them. Remember that you can always call them back on the institution's official number to confirm and inform them that someone tried to get your credentials.
Do not use public WI-FI because hackers can break into your device. If you are out and about and want to commence a transaction, ensure you have a secure internet connection rather than looking for a public one. Hackers can access your banking apps and other apps if you use a shared internet connection to log in. This can put your data and information at risk, and in the worst-case scenario, you could lose everything in your bank account.
Due to insecure browsers and servers, people who send money online to Bangladesh risk having their information intercepted and stolen. This happens when the SSL certificate for the provider's website has run out or does not exist anymore. Ensure that the website you're using has a valid SSL certificate (you can check this by noticing if there is a lock logo on the left of the search bar in your browser). Tapping on this lock logo, you can ensure the SSL certificate is still valid. Also, it's a good practice to scan for protection layers when making payments like:
When you need to make a money transfer to Bangladesh as an individual, the safety of your funds should be your top priority. The provider you choose must be approved, licenced, and regulated by the proper authorities in the markets where they work. This gives you the confidence to send money to Bangladesh or anywhere in the world.
Users can use ACE Money Transfer service providers to send money to Bangladesh quickly, cost-effectively, and reasonably safely. Transfers can be made using either a website or a mobile app. ACE is monitored by organisations like the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) and the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). ACE also has internal safety mechanisms and security protocols that protect users' information and money when they transfer money. ACE Money Transfer can save you time and money and is safe to use as long as you send your money through a reliable provider.
Lastly, make sure the software on your devices is always up-to-date. Instead of asking the software update warning to remind you tomorrow (and the next day, and the next day.), download the update as soon as it's available. Most of the time, it will have security patches for known holes.
Sending money to Bangladesh from another country can be an easy source of supporting your family. Still, it's essential to keep your financial information safe. Don't use public Wi-Fi to access sensitive financial information. Instead, use a secure payment platform like ACE Money Transfer and keep your software and apps up to date. Also, benefit from exciting offers from ACE when you send money to Bangladesh online. By taking these steps, you can protect yourself from cyber threats and ensure that sending money is safe and secure.
FAQs
What are the risks associated with using public Wi-Fi?
Public Wi-Fi networks, especially those without a password, are often not secure. Any data you send over these networks could be intercepted by malicious actors. The risks include identity theft, data theft, and unauthorised access to your personal accounts.
Why is sending money to Bangladesh from abroad considered risky?
Any international money transfer comes with certain risks. These include fraud, exchange rate fluctuations, delays or failures in the transfer due to technical issues, and potential legal and regulatory issues. In the case of Bangladesh, some additional factors, such as political instability, economic conditions, and regulatory changes, could also affect the security and reliability of money transfers.
What steps can I take to secure my information while using public Wi-Fi?
There are several measures you can take to protect your information while using public Wi-Fi. These include using a virtual private network (VPN), enabling firewall protections on your device, keeping your operating system and software up to date, and only accessing websites that use HTTPS.
What precautions should I take when sending money to Bangladesh from abroad?
Ensure that you are using a reputable money transfer service which has strong security measures in place. Check the exchange rate and fees carefully, and confirm that the recipient has received the funds. Be wary of any requests for additional payments or fees, as these could be signs of a scam.
How can I identify a secure network or money transfer service?
Secure Wi-Fi networks usually require a password to connect and use WPA or WPA2 encryption. A secure money transfer service will have a strong reputation, transparent fee structure, and robust security measures in place. It should also be registered with relevant financial authorities. Look for reviews or ratings online to get a sense of the service's reliability and security.
