With a rapid growth in the number of internet users in India, there comes the added responsibility of safeguarding devices from cyber security threats. And our populace is more inclined to gaining access and connecting to unsecure public Wi-Fi networks such as those installed at prominent railway stations. Norton by Symantec is, however, looking to shoulder the task of protecting your smartphones from data hijacking attempts.
In regards to the same, the security software company has today announced the launch of ‘Norton Wi-Fi Privacy‘ in India. This easy-to-use solution intuitively helps users protect their confidential data from eagle-eyed hackers who’re snooping on unsecured wireless (Wi-Fi) networks. They can gain access to your information in the following two ways:
- Steal data when you connect to an unsecure public wireless network and sell the same on the Dark Web or drain your bank accounts if they grab hold of financial information.
- Another common practice is called rogue access point attack, where hackers set up their own public Wi-Fi network and trick users into joining it. Once users join their network, they’re redirected to phishing websites and tricked into shelling out their financial information.
Among other features of Norton Wi-Fi Privacy, this solution protects your data transfer using bank-grade encryption techniques. It also enables you to browse the web anonymously by encrypting your data using a no-log virtual private network that doesn’t track or store your activity. This also enables you to access your favorite apps, including bank and email ones, on the go. The solution starts at ₹2,999 for a yearly subscription.
Commenting on the launch, Ritesh Chopra, Country Manager, Consumer Business Unit, at Symantec in India said:
Consumers are often overly complacent when it comes to using public Wi-Fi networks, believing that nothing will happen to them.
Norton Wi-Fi Privacy helps protect information, such as passwords and credit card numbers, and denies access to hackers who may be eavesdropping on the same network.
The significance of the Wi-Fi Privacy product is further elevated when you peek at the statistics defining the number of public Wi-Fi users in the country. According to 2016 Norton Cyber Security Insights Report, more than 27 percent of the population stated that it connects to open public networks. And about 70 percent of them said that it was immensely useful for checking emails, logging into social media accounts, communicating info, and even updating apps.
This is extremely necessary as individuals in India are still confused with the security of public Wi-Fi networks and they tend to access their emails and bank accounts on the same. According to a recent survey dictates the fact that more than 59 percent of internet users acknowledged that they wouldn’t enter financial info on a public Wi-Fi, but a whopping 56 percent said they’re unable to distinguish a public and private one. And only 45 percent users turn to VPNs to protect their web browsing.
