Why You Need a VPN on Public Wi-Fi

Free public Wi-Fi is great, but is it actually safe? What are the risks that come with using the Internet on an easily accessible network? If you’re looking for a way to continue using public Wi-Fi safely, you need a VPN. But what is a VPN and how can it increase your protection? In this blog, we’ll discuss these details and much more. Learn why you need a VPN on public Wi-Fi, how to use it, and what it can do for you. 

Is Public Wi-Fi Dangerous?

Hackers are notorious for stealing information from unsuspecting victims by infiltrating public Wi-Fi. In most cases, publically accessible Wi-Fi has fewer security protocols to allow more users onto the network. While letting in more users, however, these networks introduce themselves to a variety of security threats. 

Let’s say you’re in a local coffee shop, working from your laptop. You connect your laptop to the “complimentary Wi-Fi” that the cafe offers. Before you can get too far into your work, you remember that you need to pay your cellphone bill. You log on to your bank website to check your account balance and then open up your phone provider’s page. After you log in to those websites and make your payment, the data you release is sent to its destination. However, some threat actors can intercept these transfers and use them to access sensitive information.

What does it mean for you? It means that cybercriminals can access your data easily if it isn’t consistent with the necessary privacy protocols. If an attacker targets you, they could steal data you sent over public Wi-Fi and use it to impersonate you fraudulently. With just your name, location, and a few other important details, these threat actors could cause serious financial damage. This is why it’s so important to stay alert, avoid the dangers of public Wi-Fi, and use a powerful VPN.

Types of Wi-Fi Attacks

Some attacks are easy to spot ahead of time, and many of them share one common goal: stealing your data. Once you can identify these security threats and the different types of Wi-Fi attacks, you can keep yourself safe.

• Man-in-the-middle attack
• Malware attack
• Evil twin attack
• Packet sniffing attack

Some Wi-Fi attacks focus on obtaining data that cybercriminals can use to open new lines of credit or get loans. This can create serious financial consequences for the victims. Hackers can even check your browsing history, as well as access other personal data on your device. Ultimately, the best way to defend yourself against these attacks is to stay prepared and vigilant. 

How to Fight Public Wi-Fi Hacking

When it comes to protecting yourself from cybersecurity attacks, there are several ways to ensure that your information remains secure. The first step is educating yourself on the best practices for safely using public Wi-Fi. Take a look at the following suggestions for keeping your private data secure from potential threats:

• Never use automatic Wi-Fi connections. 
• Turn off file sharing options, including AirDrop. 
• Ensure that your firewall is active when using public Wi-Fi. 
• Avoid logging into accounts with sensitive information on a public Wi-Fi network. 
• Always confirm that a Wi-Fi network is legitimate before connecting. 
• Keep your antivirus software up-to-date. 
• Use a powerful VPN to protect your activity.

Using these tips, you can easily give yourself more control over your privacy and protection. One of the best ways to secure yourself on a public Wi-Fi network is to use a reliable VPN. You may be wondering what a VPN is and how it can keep you safe. We’ll help you learn more about the security that you can receive from using a VPN on your favorite devices.

What is a VPN?

VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) are a type of software that masks a device’s location by encrypting its IP address. By installing a VPN, users can hide their activity from cybercriminals and other prying eyes. Each device with Internet capabilities has an IP address that links its online activity to that hardware. Without the protection of a VPN, attackers can easily introduce malware to your system through a variety of different attacks.

Additionally, VPNs allow you to increase the strength of your Internet privacy through secure encryption. This process “scrambles” your data, making it more challenging for hackers to access your private information. Once the data reaches its destination, the information “unscrambles” so that the recipient can view it. VPNs that work alongside strong encryption protocols, like OpenVPN and IKEv2, introduce dependable security for any network or device.

Reliable VPN Protection for Public Wi-Fi Connections

Your safety is more important than ever, and you need a VPN that can keep up with your privacy needs. PrivadoVPN brings you easy access to world-class privacy features including Kill Switch integration, a true Zero-Log policy, and much more. Our VPN is based in Switzerland, which gives you the protection of Swiss privacy laws, the strongest in the world. Plus, with a premium plan, users get access to unlimited data, 300+ global servers, and up to 10 simultaneous connections. It’s never been a better time to give yourself more privacy and security. Sign up with PrivadoVPN today.