How Do I Protect Myself When Using Wi-Fi?

How do you protect yourself when you use public Wi-Fi on your phone? For the 40% of people who say they use public Wi-Fi that way, it’s a good question to ask.

A recent study from Forbes found that plenty of people use public Wi-Fi — with 35% saying they use it at least four times a month.[i]

People have plenty of reasons for using public Wi-Fi on their phones. First off, they might want to save their cellular data usage. Maybe they want the speed it offers over a cell connection, like when they hop on a video call. In other cases, they might have a lousy cell signal indoors and want a better connection with Wi-Fi.

All are valid reasons for using public Wi-Fi. And all are reasons for knowing how to play it safe when you do.

The risks of public Wi-Fi

In an ideal world, public Wi-Fi is quite safe. The operator has it set up with the latest protection protocols, like the WP3 standard. The operator also has current, updated network equipment. You’re using it to connect to a site that uses “https” for security. And there’s no hackers or snoops in the network mix.

Of course, you can’t count on any of that every time you use public Wi-Fi.

The safer bet on public Wi-Fi…a VPN

So, what are your options if you want or need a public Wi-Fi connection?

The readiest answer is to use a VPN. As a “virtual private network,” it runs your data connection through a secure, encrypted tunnel exclusive to you. This way, it shields you and what you do from any prying eyes on public Wi-Fi.

The important bit here is to go with a trusted VPN provider. Ironically, many VPNs out there put you at risk. Some collect user info, particularly free VPNs. This gets bought and sold, and sometimes falls victim to data breaches — putting all kinds of personal info at risk.[ii] Moreover, some so-called VPNs install malware on phones instead. Others serve up ads in return for the free service.

With that, choosing a secure and trustworthy VPN provider is a must. A VPN like ours has both your security and privacy in mind. In a VPN, look for:

• The same encryption strength that banks use.
• One that doesn’t log or track what you do online, so your online activity remains private. ​
• A VPN that’s independently audited for security and privacy.
• One that covers plenty of devices and that offers unlimited data.
• A connection that turns on automatically when using public Wi-Fi.

Not every VPN offers these features. Selecting one that does gives you the protection you want paired with the privacy you want.

More ways you can stay safer on public Wi-Fi

Turn off automatic connections.

Be choosy about the networks you connect to. Turning off automatic connections on your phone allows you to select the trusted networks you know best.

Keep your phone updated.

Set your operating system and apps to update automatically. Updates often include security fixes that shore up recently discovered shortcomings.

Watch out for extra taps to log in.

Hackers set up sketchy public Wi-Fi as bait. With it, they might siphon off personal info as you browse, bank, and shop. Others use it to install malware, like spyware that also steals personal info. Avoid any public Wi-Fi that asks you to download extra software or apps.

Prevent third parties from collecting your info.

Some internet service providers (ISPs) offer public Wi-Fi networks in various places. However, many ISPs track, gather, and sometimes share connection info. A VPN can put a stop to plenty of that, which makes this one more good reason to use one on public Wi-Fi.

Skip public Wi-Fi altogether.

If possible, use your data connection instead. Most mobile phone providers encrypt the traffic between cell towers and your device.

[i] https://www.forbes.com/advisor/business/public-wifi-risks/

[ii] https://www.cpomagazine.com/cyber-security/free-vpn-data-leak-exposed-over-360-million-user-records/

 

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