Do you think you are safe when accessing public Wi-Fi? If you’re not using additional cybersecurity tools, then I’m afraid you’re not. While public Wi-Fi can be incredibly convenient, if you connect to the Internet in a coffee shop or hotel, you could fall into the clutches of cybercriminals.
Public Wi-Fi networks are the perfect target for hackers – most lack basic network security measures. If you want to enjoy the convenience of free public Wi-Fi without putting yourself at risk, you need a VPN.
Will a VPN protect you on public Wi-Fi?
A VPN is one of the most secure methods you can use to protect your devices. It sends your traffic through an encrypted tunnel, making it extremely difficult to decrypt. With a VPN app like EN.VPNwelt.com on the devices you use to connect to a public network, you can use this encryption on the go.
The dangers of public Wi-Fi
The main goal of any hacker is to gain access to your personal data. For example:
Your email login.
Your banking information.
Your private photos and videos.
Your home address.
And these are just some of the things hackers can do to take advantage of public Wi-Fi:
Evil Twin Attack. Cybercriminals can create fake Wi-Fi networks to trick you into connecting to them. You would probably connect to a public Wi-Fi network bearing the name of a cafe you visit without knowing that a hacker runs it.
Injecting malware. An insecure connection can cause hard-to-detect malware to sneak into your computer. It can steal your bandwidth, corrupt your system, and give hackers a backdoor to all your files.
Man-in-the-middle. The cybercriminal places their device between the connection with your device and the Wi-Fi spot. This allows them to monitor your activity and even control your traffic, possibly redirecting you to their website to trick you into entering your credentials or banking information.
Wi-Fi sniffing. With simple and legal software, a hacker can monitor and record all data packets that pass through a Wi-Fi network.
Improving public Wi-Fi with a VPN connection will help you avoid the above threats. The encryption process effectively shields all your data from prying eyes.
How to stop a hacker on public Wi-Fi
The most important way to prevent hackers from getting into your devices and disrupting your Internet connection over a public network is to educate yourself. If you are aware of the risks coming your way, you can prevent them. Here are the things you should be mindful of:
Disable automatic connections. If you regularly use every public Wi-Fi hub you can find, you may accidentally connect to a network you hadn’t planned on.
Don’t connect to public Wi-Fi carelessly. If you’re using the public Wi-Fi network of a popular coffee chain, ask the staff for the exact name to look for.
Don’t log into sensitive accounts. If you’re connected to a public Wi-Fi network, don’t use the connection to access accounts with sensitive information. If a hacker is snooping on that network, your data may have just been intercepted.
Turn off file sharing and check your firewall. Simple controls that are often overlooked. While file sharing is helpful on your network at home, it’s just bad news on a public Wi-Fi network. Make sure your anti-malware software is active as well.
Get a VPN because your data needs to be protected. With VPN security, you can enjoy the convenience of public Wi-Fi without the risks. A VPN also hides your IP address by connecting you to a VPN server rather than one owned by your ISP. This means that third parties won’t be able to track your activities.
Angela Scott-Briggs
Editor, TechBullion.com | Interested in Innovations in Business, Finance, and Technology .