Using public Wi-Fi? Here’s Why You Should Have a VPN
We’re all familiar with the convenience Wi-Fi brings us. We use it every day, for business or entertainment, to the point where it almost becomes a necessity. Public Wi-Fi is all around us, as you can find it on almost every corner. But, these public networks are often unsecured, which makes them an ideal place for hackers who are looking to put your privacy and security at risk. In this week’s Zlog post, we’ll talk about the risks unsecured public Wi-Fi potentially poses, and why you should always use a VPN on public Wi-Fi.
Why are Public Wi-Fi Networks Risky?
Wi-Fi networks are relatively easy to find. They are prevalent almost everywhere around us. You encounter them in your home, in public places, when traveling and in your day-to-day activities. While you can set your own security settings at home, public Wi-Fi is often not secured, which can pose a big risk for every user.
When we say these Wi-Fi networks are not secured, it means that they don’t require you to enter a password or any login details. This makes them even more accessible and convenient to use but also opens them up for hackers.
What are the Possible Threats?
When connected on a home or office network, all of your communication and data is secured from end to end. However, when you’re using a public Wi-Fi, you’re sharing your connection with all of the people who are on the same network. That puts you in a big risk, as there are many possible threats you’re facing, including:
Hackers
Hackers can easily infiltrate unprotected Wi-Fi networks and use them in their personal purposes. This can cause a whole heap of problems, leading not only to the loss of personal information but bigger issues, like the infamous Man-in-the-middle attacks. Using a VPN on public Wi-Fi can help you throw hackers of track and hide your activity.
Malware Attacks
Unsecured public Wi-Fi connections are a gateway for malicious and dangerous software or Malware. Malware can be a very dangerous hacking tool, as it can be used for almost everything, from accessing your personal information and files, to completely controlling certain aspects of your device.
Fake Networks
Fake networks are hotspots that are directly set up by hackers themselves, often using a name resembling the one of an actual network. They use these networks to trick you into connecting directly to a malicious network. When connected to such a network, you become much more vulnerable to hacker attacks.
What Information can they Collect From You?
When using a public Wi-Fi network you are opening your entire device to possible attacks. Now that we know who can possibly be on the other end, it’s also important to know and understand what information they can get a hold of, and how revealing it could be. For starters, the most basic information your device can give away is your location. After that, hackers can get their hands on your personal communications, the photos and files you send, as well as all of your chats, messages, and emails. Lastly, you could leak your most sensitive information like passwords and other login credentials, that could do you financial damage.
When Should You Use a VPN on Wi-Fi?
Ideally, you should use a VPN at all times. You have no possible way of knowing which public Wi-Fi networks are secure, and which are not. But we all know that not even the biggest businesses are safe from hacker attacks and that it’s very easy to get your data stolen if you’re not careful enough. When using a VPN on public Wi-Fi you will efficiently privatize all of your online activity. This will allow you to secure your private messages, browse in complete anonymity and hide your location from prying eyes.
How to Further Protect Yourself When on Public Wi-Fi
Of course, it’s up to you on how you handle your online security. You should always look to improve your information security with extra safety measures. Having a VPN on public Wi-Fi can scramble hackers efforts, but it can’t do much against malware and virus attacks. That’s why you should also consider using anti-malware or antivirus programs when on public networks. By using an antivirus program and a VPN on public Wi-Fi, you will maximize your security potential. This will make sure that no harm comes to any of your personal or financial data.
If you’re looking for a tested and proven VPN service to help you secure your devices, look no further than ZoogVPN. At ZoogVPN we know how important your security and privacy are. That’s why we’re bringing you the most reliable VPN service, starting at just a couple of bucks per month. Sign up today or try our service for free and minimize your risks while connecting to public Wi-Fi networks.
Yaroslav S.CEO at ZoogVPN. Yaroslav is a versatile manager with extensive customer support experience. His historical background and a deep passion for philosophy perfectly complete a real desire to create meaningful content and tech products.
