How Does a VPN Protect You on Public Wi-Fi?
In the modern digital era, connectivity has become a basic necessity for most people. For commuters and individuals living on strict data plans, public Wi-Fi is an opportunity they cannot afford to miss. However, public Wi-Fi poses serious security threats to users, with hackers targeting these networks for selfish exploitations. Passwords and usernames used when using public Wi-Fi networks can easily be seen by these hackers who use them to manipulate the unsuspecting users. It is, therefore, vital to ensure that your connection is encrypted by employing various security measures, such as antivirus programs and VPN. This article addresses how VPN protects users on public Wi-Fi and to warn everyone that from time to time uses a public WI-FI without a VPN connection because your data is at risk and data teft is going to cost you much more than $5 a month that you would pay for a VPN.
Does a VPN Protect You on Public Wi-Fi?
A VPN is one of the safest methods that you can use to secure your devices from hacking and other potential risks. The network was designed to provide security when using public Wi-Fi. Technically, Virtual Private Network (VPN) uses an encrypted route to send your traffic, making it almost impossible for anyone to intercept or decrypt it.
What Information is at Risk When Using Public Wi-Fi?
Using public Wi-Fi without the right encryption provides hackers with an open route to steal your personal information. Such information may include your email address and login details, personal videos, bank details and login, home address, and personal photos. Any critical data saved or stored in your device is at risk of getting lost or used to the advantage of criminals.
Some of the methods hackers and cybercriminals use to manipulate a secured public Wi-Fi network include;
• Malware Injection
Attackers may slip a malicious software or virus into your device through an unsecured Wi-Fi connection. This gives them access to your personal files, device system, and bandwidth.
• Evil Twin Attack
This is a manipulative move by cybercriminals to design fake Wi-Fi networks with an aim of fooling users to connect to these connections.
• Wi-Fi Sniffing
This is a passive attack by hackers who use legal software to log and monitor data packets going through a specific Wi-Fi network.
How to Stop a Public Wi-Fi Hacker with a VPN?
There are various precautionary measures that you can employ to keep hackers off your devices when using a public Wi-Fi Network. These measures include;
1. Get a VPN
Getting a VPN is crucial for the security of your devices. While VPN service providers continue to flood the market, it is essential to go for the provider with the best rates and services.
2. Be Cautious When Connecting to Wi-Fi
Do not just connect to a public Wi-Fi that you come across. In case you are using a network for an institution, ask for the actual name of a Wi-Fi connection from a staff.
3. Disable automatic connections
This is the best way to avoid connecting to networks you were not planning to.
Get NordVPN
NordVPN is an award-winning and leading VPN service provider, popular for its high-quality encryption. These are some of the reasons why you should subscribe to a NordVPN VPN service.
• Protection for multiple devices
NordVPN enables you to protect up to 6 devices at a go.
• Strong encryption
The VPN service provider has a reputation of using encryption similar to what governments use for systems- AES-256 Cipher.
• Wide coverage
NordVPN has a wide range of physical servers located across multiple countries worldwide.
• CyberSec feature
This is a unique security function that automatically limits you from connecting to blacklisted networks and invasive ads.