Protect: Wi-Fi connection protection

  1. Why do I need Wi-Fi protection?
  2. Enabling protection
  3. Wi-Fi encryption settings for your home network
  4. Disabling protection

Why do I need Wi-Fi protection?

Encryption is not usually used in public Wi-Fi access points (for example, in airports or cafes). Anybody who is using a laptop or a smartphone near you could intercept or replace your personal data or read your emails.

Yandex.Browser uses its own Wi-Fi protection within the Protect integrated security system. Wi-Fi protection is available in the desktop version of Yandex.Browser as well as in the mobile version for smartphones and tablets running on Android.

When this protection is enabled, data is sent through a special encrypted channel. The data transfer rate may be slightly slower, because the page is sent to the Yandex encryption server before it is returned to the user.

Note. Wi-Fi protection is not used for websites that run on HTTPS, because this protocol already uses data encryption. If a site uses HTTPS, the Smartbox shows the icon or .

Enabling protection

As soon as the user connects to an unsecure network, the browser automatically secures the wireless connection.

After Wi-Fi protection is enabled, one of the following icons will display in the SmartBox:

Icon Description
Wi-Fi protection is enabled.

Protection is enabled, but some elements of the page (for example, images or video) cannot pass through a secured channel.
Yandex servers are temporarily unavailable or Yandex can't access the website (for example, a corporate site). If you are not on a secured corporate website, avoid transferring confidential or banking data until Wi-Fi protection is restored.

Wi-Fi encryption settings for your home network

If you are connected to your home Wi-Fi and see a warning in Yandex.Browser about an insecure network, this means your router protection algorithm is not secure enough.

Attention. The WPA2/WPA2-PSK protection algorithm is considered secure. The WPA/WPA-PSK algorithm is less secure. The protection level when using the WEP algorithm is equivalent to no encryption. We strongly recommend using something other than WEP.

In an unsecured home network, Yandex.Browser automatically enables Wi-Fi protection. In this case data transfer speed may be slower, because the data is passing through a secured channel. You can avoid this by configuring router encryption:

  1. Open the web interface for managing the router.
  2. Go to security settings.
  3. Set WPA2 or WPA2-PSK network authentication type.

For more detailed recommendations, please refer to your router's user manual.

Disabling protection

  1. In the Network section, disable the Secure your network connection when connected to public Wi-Fi networks option.
Attention. Disabling Wi-Fi protection will increase data transfer speed, but it puts your data at risk. We do not recommend that you expose yourself to this risk, especially if you are going to transfer your personal data or make e-payments.

To disable Wi-Fi protection temporarily until you restart your browser:

  1. In the right part of SmartBox, click any Protect toolbar icon.
  2. In the window that opens in the Wi-Fi protection section, flip the switch to Off.

The secured channel will no longer be used for transmitting your data. However, the SmartBox will still show the unsecured Wi-Fi alert .

To disable Wi-Fi protection completely, including alerts in the SmartBox:

  1. Click   → Settings.
  2. In the lower half of the Settings page, click Show advanced settings.
  3. In the Network section, disable the Secure your network connection when connected to public Wi-Fi networks option.