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This article explores the risks of using public wifi, strategies for protection and the best virtual private networks (VPNs) for securing your connection.
With over 300 million people being affected by data breaches in 2023 alone, cybercrime shows no sign of slowing down. Taking security measures to protect your data and privacy while using the internet is vital, particularly when connecting to public wifi networks. But can using a VPN be an imperative step towards ensuring online security?
Using one of the best VPNs is a great way to ensure your online security, but there are other things you must consider. The figures obtained and analysed by our researchers are show that more than 364 million people were affected by data breaches between January and May this year, with the greatest number of compromised personal records associated with telecom providers.
Although not every data breach results in fraud, it still entails financial losses for businesses due to lost customer trust and impaired reputation. Cybercrime is expected to cost US$10.5 trillion (£8.4 trillion GBP) annually by 2025.
In this article, we’ll guide you through the dangers imposed by public wifi and the most effective strategies for protecting your data and identity while connecting to them. We’ll also discuss the best VPNs for securing your connection when using public wifi hotspots.
Public wifi refers to wireless internet networks accessible in public and commercial locations. These can range from bustling coffee shops and restaurants to libraries, hotels, airports and public transport such as trains and buses.
The 2018-2023 Cisco Annual Internet Report foresees 628 million public wifi hotspots available by 2023. Unlike home networks, which are usually secured with password protection, public wifi is often unsecured, allowing users with a wifi-compatible device to connect easily.
This freedom of connection, however, has a downside. Public wifi’s lack of security can lead to significant security vulnerabilities, making data transmitted over these networks susceptible to intrusions or eavesdropping.
The risks in using public wifi lies primarily in its lack of security. Many of these networks are unsecured or “open”, meaning no password is required to connect. Moreover, the connections are typically unencrypted, risking any data that is transmitted.
In fact, research revealed 25 per cent of people using public networks while travelling have had their information compromised, with the majority of cases taking place while connecting to free wifi at airports. Also, around half of users use networks that don’t require a password, which means they can be accessed by anyone, with no restrictions on the number of connected devices.
It’s important to note that many smartphones and devices are set up to connect to available wifi networks automatically. So, without your knowledge, your device could expose your data and identity to a number of risks.
Given these potential threats, awareness and caution are crucial when connecting to public wifi networks.
If connecting to public wifi, do you trust that your data being sent across that network is secure and not being logged? Often, free wifi is offered as an incentive to the customer to spend time there, such as a cafe. It may also be used to measure how busy the cafe is at given times of the day, without necessarily analyzing raw traffic.
Make sure you are connected to the intended wifi spot, as attackers may well spoof hotspots in the hope that users accidentally connect to the rogue access point. Using a VPN means that all your network traffic is encrypted between your device and the VPN provider, meaning that no matter how you connect to the internet, be it on public wifi or not, your traffic can’t be observed by unintended third parties.
When using public wifi, a significant amount of your personal data can be put at risk. Here’s a breakdown of what that might include:
These are the types of information that cybercriminals are after. With this data, they can steal your identity, drain your bank account, or engage in other malicious activities.
While public wifi brings convenience, protecting yourself from potential threats is crucial. Here’s a brief guide on how you can secure your data:
A VPN provides an essential layer of security on public wifi. It works by routing your internet connection through a private server, masking your actual IP address and making your online activity virtually untraceable.
VPN services use robust encryption protocols (typically military-grade AES-256 encryption) to safeguard your data. Even if you’re using an unsecured public wifi network, your information remains secure because it’s encrypted by the VPN tunnel.
In other words, a VPN acts as a secure tunnel for your data, protecting it from potential hackers. Therefore, using a VPN on public wifi can significantly minimise the risks associated with public wifi usage.
Here are the best VPNs we recommend using on public wifi:
Remember, the effectiveness of a VPN can vary based on specific needs and circumstances, so consider your requirements when choosing a VPN.
Yes, a VPN does indeed offer protection when using public wifi. Encrypting your internet traffic adds a security barrier that makes it difficult for unauthorised individuals to access your data. Thus, even on unsecured public wifi networks, a VPN can significantly enhance your online safety, making it highly recommended for frequent public wifi users.
Public wifi networks are generally not recommended for sensitive activities such as banking due to their vulnerability to cyberattacks. As these networks are often unsecured, hackers can exploit them to steal personal information, such as passwords and banking details.
Many people have had their online security compromised while using public wifi. Therefore, if you need to do banking on the go, it’s advisable to use secure methods like a VPN or cellular data instead of public wifi.
Typically, public wifi networks are not encrypted. This is one of the reasons public wifi networks are considered less secure and why using protective measures such as a VPN is highly recommended when accessing these networks.