Is It Safe to Use Public Wi-Fi with a VPN?
VPN also known as Virtual Private Networks enables its
users to browse online without revealing their identity, location, and rest of
the information. VPNs are primarily used for safe and secure browsing, and for
accessing the websites or online content in whichever form if they have any
kind of restriction implied on them.
Throughout the digital passage, the users remain
anonymous and their information is protected from theft by hiding their
devices, IP addresses, and everything that can be tracked or misused – nobody
from another end can tell whether they are being viewed via laptop, mobile and
even the operating system cannot be seen.
When the VPN is installed and the user enables anonymity,
they get free from all the geopolitical restrictions and all the content on the
internet becomes uncensored for them. Using a VPN, reduces the possibility of
theft, getting hacked, receiving malware, and all sorts of threats to losing confidential
data particularly if the user is online via public Wi-Fi
and surfing around.
The best idea is to have a steady and reliable internet
connection at home so you can download some content for amusement when you go
offline. Some apps, videos, games, movies, books, etc. can be saved in the
device for times when the device could be disconnected from the internet for
hours. For safe internet browsing, we recommend checking out Spectrum Deals, which provides a free security suite with all the plans to
keep all your data safe. Furthermore, you can enter your zip code in the bar
at the LocalCableDeals website to check all the serviceable
Internet Services Providers near you.
The internet now has more information available online
than ever before, every user’s complete information is being stored and scanned
for advertising and marketing. And, there are two types of information/data;
public and private. Information shared for the public is the reason we love the
internet and why Technology is incomplete without Information in IT. However,
the rising number of internet users and signing up at multiple points online
has increased the chances of exchanging information for immoral purposes as well.
While using the public internet, typically Wi-Fi, you
never know who is seeing your screen from the other end or saving your
passwords and all the confidential information on your device. Happens usually
at airports, restaurants, cinemas, or literally anywhere where we get free
internet, the chances of getting theft, a hacker’s visiting and saving personal
or professional information for misusing them or using against us – is
something none of us want to happen.
Therefore, we use VPNs to secure our online stay and
protect our online identity from everyone. Also, there is the reason public
Wi-Fi connection is open and free for use, unlike the ones we have at our
homes, friends, and workplaces. But, this temporary convenience comes with
great risks along.
Some noteworthy
Dos and Don’ts:
- Do not allow your device(s) to connect with any
available Wi-Fi networks. Keep it manual rather than auto-connect.
- If you had to connect with the available public Wi-Fi
for any important reason, please avoid logging into any personal or
professional account – particularly the ones with crucial information.
- Always trust the websites that have HTTPS at the
initials of their URL. The presence of ‘s’ ensures a safe network.
- Avoid leaving the Wi-Fi (as said earlier) and Bluetooth
on auto-connect constantly unless they are in use. Change your devices’
settings to manual.
- When connected with a public Wi-Fi, refrain from
visiting websites that may possibly have sensitive data which includes your
banking details, transactions, healthcare account, property, or something you
can operate virtually.
- Deliberately avoid logging into an open to reach Wi-Fi
network particularly if that is not password protected.
- You can install a VPN on your device(s) instantly or
already have it, to ensure secure browsing.
Conclusion:
Sitting idle anywhere or waiting for anything in a public
place can be boring or in some cases when we do not want to interact too much,
most people tend to engage with their gadgets – phones being on top. Also, a
free and open internet connection can be tempting in any case, and even more
convenient to connect when in a public place.
Connecting with the internet does not always have to be
gaming, some people like to check their social media, post stories instantly,
and checking emails could be more important for someone than rest, gaming to
kill time, reading, or watching videos while on the go. The reasons for
connecting are many but not connecting with public Wi-Fi is one: it puts all
the data (online and offline) in the device at risk.
All the convenience and information are undeniably
comforting but we cannot deny the threats that come with digital solutions.
And, to escape all the digital threats and risks, we just have to be extra
vigilant – which is a fair deal, no? The checklist to ensure safety has already
been shared above and that is quite doable for pretty much all of us.
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