How do I know if a network is safe to connect to in Windows 8?

Even though no network is 100% safe, there are some things you can do to help ensure that a network is reasonably safe to connect to.

Whenever possible, only connect to wireless networks that require a network security key or have some other form of security, such as a certificate. When you view available wireless networks, wireless networks that don't have security turned on will be identified with a shield icon.

If you connect to an unsecured network in a public place (for example, in a coffee shop or airport), make sure you choose No, don't turn on sharing or connect to devices on the page that appears after you connect. This will help prevent other people on the network from getting to your PC.

If you have a wireless network, make sure your wireless connection is encrypted with Wi‑Fi Protected Access (WPA or WPA2—WPA2 is more secure than WPA).

To see if your home network has WPA or WPA2 encryption

1. Connect your PC to the router using an Ethernet cable.

2. Open a web browser and enter the IP address for your wireless router in the search bar (for example, 192.168.1.1 or 172.16.0.0). You can find the default IP address in the documentation that came with your router, or follow these steps:

a. Open Command Prompt by swiping in from the right edge of the screen, tapping Search (or if you're using a mouse, pointing to the upper-right corner of the screen, moving the mouse pointer down, and then clicking Search), entering Command Prompt in the search box, tapping or clicking Apps, and then tapping or clicking Command Prompt.

b. Enter ipconfig, and then press Enter.

Your router's IP address is listed next to Default Gateway.

3. Enter the router user name and password when prompted. Most router documentation contains a default user name and password to open the router settings webpage.

4. On the router settings webpage, look for a wireless or wireless settings option. Depending on the router manufacturer, this might be a tab, icon, or option in a task pane.

6. On the wireless settings page, look for a security or wireless encryption setting.