Let’s face it most of us use public Wi-Fi networks without thinking twice. As long as we’re not doing anything we’d consider illegal; we don’t worry much about who might be watching. But many public Wi-Fi networks, especially those in coffee shops and airports, can attract unwanted attention from hackers or even criminals. Luckily, if you use the internet responsibly and take basic precautions like using a VPN, you can keep your data secure while enjoying free Wi-Fi wherever you go. Here are ways to use public WIFI networks safely:
Turn your phone into airplane mode before connecting to Wi-Fi
Just because you’re not using your phone doesn’t mean it’s safe. Some public Wi-Fi networks can collect data on your device’s unique settings, especially if you’ve previously connected to the same network. Even turning on an Android device will let Wi-Fi networks communicate with Google through the phone. This means they know which version of Android is installed and what apps are available on your device. If you’re using public Wi-Fi for something important like shopping or banking, it’s best to avoid this risk by putting your phone into airplane mode while you connect.
Protect your sensitive data
This is the most important thing to consider when using public Wi-Fi. If you’re shopping, banking, or doing something else that requires sensitive data, make sure you’re only sending it over an encrypted connection. Make sure websites like your email or bank display a padlock in the address bar and verify that HTTPS (not HTTP!) is used on all sites where you log in with username and password information. Also, please make sure that your browser isn’t storing personal information like passwords, credit card numbers, or any other private details after every session so it can be accessed by anyone who uses your device afterward.
Put your Wi-Fi networks to good use
The fact that so many people are coming together in one place makes it all the easier to figure out who might be using a network at any given time, but it also means there’s lots of traffic flowing through one spot. If you’re looking for an open public Wi-Fi hotspot where your data can’t get hacked, try messaging friends or family members and coordinating meeting up somewhere without internet access instead! That way, you can talk in person and won’t be an untrustworthy network’s next target.
Use a VPN
VPNs encrypt all internet traffic between your computer and the websites you visit, so hackers won’t be able to read anything you send or get. They also allow users in different parts of the world to access geo-restricted content, so you’ll have more freedom to watch or use whatever you want online. If you connect to public Wi-Fi with a VPN, all of your data will be encrypted, which means hackers won’t be able to intercept it even if they can access the internet through the same Wi-Fi network. Just make sure the VPN provider has a strict no-monitoring policy; otherwise, they may take advantage of your personal information!
Shopping for a VPN
There are many VPN providers out there, and many of them offer free trials to try before you buy. But not all services are created equal some have better privacy policies than others, and not all have servers in every location. Here are a few things to look for when shopping around:
• Does the VPN have a long track record?
• Who owns and runs the VPN service? If it’s a reputable company, you’re more likely to get good customer service.
• What kinds of devices can I use with the VPN? Some services work on just about everything from your phone to your laptop, whereas others don’t have apps for popular operating systems or devices like Windows phones.
• How many servers does it have? More is better, though having too many isn’t necessarily a good thing because that means one will always be down. Reputable companies should rotate server access, so everyone gets a turn in line!
How to use a VPN
The first thing to do is download a VPN app. Many companies offer native apps for different platforms, and you’ll need to install the correct one depending on what device you’re using. Once that’s installed, sign in to the app and start it up. Now connect to a VPN server by turning on your VPN and choosing a country. That’s it! Your internet traffic will now be encrypted, and your location spoofed so you can safely use public Wi-Fi networks without worrying about hackers or anyone else stealing your personal information. Remember that a VPN can’t protect you from everything. It just keeps your data safe from prying eyes. If you’re using a public network for something important like banking or shopping, it’s best to simply avoid the risk and use your phone in airplane mode.
How do you know if the public Wi-Fi Network you are using is safe
• You know the Wi-Fi network you are using is secure when there aren’t any strange messages or pop-up messages on your browser.
• You know it is safe if you can access all the websites you need to and download files.
• You know it is safe when your phone or laptop doesn’t ask for any passwords other than the one it is supposed to ask for.
• You know it is safe to access your emails and login on all accounts that need passwords, or your phone or laptop don’t ask for any specific message to proceed.
• You know it is safe when you don’t see unusual activity happening on your phone or laptop.
• You know it is safe to connect without problems, and the internet speed is the same as your usual uninterrupted internet connection.
You can never guarantee that a Wi-Fi network is 100% safe. Wi-Fi networks are developed to be accessible to the public. This means that most people can use Wi-Fi whether or not they are authorized. A Wi-Fi network can be hacked by a system administrator or someone who knows how to exploit vulnerabilities. For this reason, you should use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) to protect your data and keep you safe when using a Wi-Fi network.