Safepath: Step 2

“Hi. Chris Parker here, founder and CEO of WhatIsMyIPAddress. This is Step 2 of the Safepath 5-Step Challenge. This step usually amazes people because they didn’t realize it was right under their thumbs the whole time.” Your iPhone or Android Can provide a secure wireless signal in seconds. Consider this dilemma. You’re in a restaurant with your laptop and you want to check your work emails. The place you’re in offers free Wi-Fi, but you know it’s open to everyone and not a secure connection. And, you have to send off some very confidential information. You know you shouldn’t risk it, but… Any security and privacy expert will warn you about using your laptop on an unsecure wireless connection, and virtually all public Wi-Fi hot spots are unsecure. The solution may already be in hand in the shape of your smartphone. And one simple trick solves your dilemma. Instead of using the unsecure public Wi-Fi, create your own private, secure Wi-Fi hot spot to connect to the internet using your smart phone. And don’t worry, no one will be able to use your hot spot without a password. Find the related instructions below for your device type. Get your iPhone and your laptop and turn both on. On your iPhone: Note: Your phone’s Wi-Fi signal will be the name of your iPhone, such as “David’s iPhone” On your laptop: Note: You can let others use your Personal Hotspot by giving them the password. IMPORTANT: Be aware that you’ll be using your data from your mobile phone plan. Do your most urgent work, then wait until you can find a secure network. Get your iPhone and your laptop and turn both on. On your iPhone. On your laptop. Up to 10 other devices can connect to your Wi-Fi hotspot. Android refers to using your phone to set up a hotspot at tethering. Note: These are instructions for Android 9, which may work for most Androids. If you have another version, look can look for help on this website . Note: You may want to ask your carrier if they will charge you extra for tethering. Step 2 is complete when you: