Public Wi-Fi is something that most people would, naturally, view as a godsend. Whether you’re sitting in an airport waiting for your flight or having a coffee at a café, it’s so convenient to get online with just a few clicks. No time wasted and you can catch up on emails or check your Slack messages.
What a lot of people don’t realise is that using a public Wi-Fi is actually one of the least secure ways to connect to the Internet. This is because public Wi-Fi is a shared or open network, meaning virtually anyone can connect just as easily as you can – even hackers and cybercriminals.
One of the ways to get around this exposure is to use a Virtual Private Network (VPN). It keeps your online activity private, even if the network itself isn’t 100% safe.
Why Is It Risky To Use Public Wi-Fi?
The reality is that these networks are there for convenience, not security. Businesses like coffee shops and malls or airports and hotels want you to connect quickly and without hassle.
This generally – not always – means that the networks have very weak encryption, if any at all and there is minimal network monitoring happening on a regular basis. And if this is the case, it creates several risks.
Any cyber criminal with the right tools can listen in on the traffic moving between the networks, leaving your login credentials, emails or messages wide open to hear.
Fake Wi-Fi hotspots are also on the rise, a more sophisticated method that most people don’t see coming. It involves creating a fake network that appears real, such as “Free Airport Wi-Fi” and when you unknowingly connect to it, you’re handing your information right over to them.
What Does A VPN Do?
VPNs are designed to create an encrypted connection between your device and a VPN server. Network traffic then flows securely through this tunnel and no one can see what it is. If anyone were to be on the same Wi-Fi network as you, it would only appear as unreadable data to them.
They also hide your real IP address by using a different one, usually in another country. This adds another layer of anonymity to your online activity.
How To Securely Use Public Wi-Fi With A VPN
VPNs have proven to be one of the most secure ways to stay safe online, especially if you work online or travel frequently and can’t rely on public Wi-Fi networks.
Here is a step by step guide on how you can safely connect to a public network using a VPN.
More from VPNs
Choose A Well-Known Provider
There are a ton of VPN providers on the market and while it’s tempting to go with the first one you find, it’s important to do your research first.
Free VPNs may appear enticing, but they usually come with a fair amount of trade-offs. Again, not all of them are bad, but generally free VPNs have very weak encryptions with limited speeds and sell your data to third parties to make a profit.
A paid, well-reviewed provider will have a no-logs policy with tight encryptions and automatic Wi-Fi protection. These are the ones that you want to go for.
Pre-Install The VPN Ahead Of Time
You shouldn’t wait until you are already connected to the public Wi-Fi network before setting up your VPN. Make sure it’s already installed on all your devices, including smartphones and laptops, before you travel.
It’s also a good idea to test it out first so that you are familiar with how it works when the time comes where you need to use it.
Connect To The VPN Before You Do Anything Else
If you need to join a public Wi-Fi, connect to the network and then immediately turn on your VPN. Once the connection has been confirmed, only then can you start securely browsing or working online.
Depending on who your provider is, you may have an auto-connect feature. It enables your VPN to turn on automatically on an untrusted network. If you do have this feature available, it’s recommended to turn it on.
Verify That The VPN Is Active
As a precautionary measure, you can check that your IP address has, in fact, changed and that your connection hasn’t dropped before you continue browsing.
This will make sure that your traffic is fully protected, especially if you are working with sensitive information.
Extra Security Tips For When You Use Public Wi-Fi
VPNs are secure in their own right, but you can always pair them with good digital habits for additional safety.
On banking apps or ones with your private information, always enable two-factor authentication which adds an additional layer of security. This comes in handy if your passwords are ever leaked.
When using a public network, turn off any file sharing settings or AirDrop on Apple devices. If they are left on, the public network can expose them and their contents.
After you have finished using the public Wi-Fi, forget the network in your Wi-Fi settings. This will prevent your device from connecting automatically without you noticing should you ever visit that area again.
