Have you ever been out and about and you wanted to check your email on your phone or computer but there was poor cell service?
Well that’s not a problem. There’s several public WiFi’s available, you could just hop on one of them for a minute. It shouldn’t be an issue…. right?
But how do you know if the public WiFi you’re connecting to is going to protect your identity? It may be hard to believe, but it’s not the public provider’s job to protect your data. In today’s digital world it is up to each individual user to be aware of the dangers and risks by using unprotected public WiFi and plan their own protection accordingly.
Public Wi-Fi can be risky, especially on poorly secured networks, but it’s not automatically dangerous every time you connect. Modern websites and apps largely use HTTPS, which already encrypts your data in transit, making basic “packet sniffing” attacks much less effective than they used to be.
Here’s a more real-world breakdown:
What risks are real:
- On unsecured or fake networks (“evil twin” hotspots), attackers can try to intercept traffic or trick you into connecting.
- If a site doesn’t use HTTPS, your data could be exposed.
- Malware distribution or phishing attacks can happen, especially on compromised networks.
- Session hijacking is still possible in some cases.
- If you’re out of the country and try to use VPN to make it look like you are near home, banks and other companies can flag your attempted access as hacking and lock down your accounts causing you to lose access.
At the present time just because a hacker may be on the same WiFi connection doesn’t mean they can see everything you do. Apps and browsers are more secure than they once were. However, they are only as secure as their last update. (i.e. when was the last time you updated all the apps on your phone?)
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is helpful, but it’s not a magic shield, it doesn’t stop social engineering, phishing, malware downloads, or weak passwords.
What actually helps most:
- Stick to HTTPS sites (your browser usually enforces this now).
- Avoid logging into sensitive accounts on unknown networks if possible.
- Use two-factor authentication.
- Keep your device updated.
- Disable auto-connect to Wi-Fi networks.
- Verify the network name with the business when possible.
Where a VPN does help:
- Adds an extra layer of encryption, especially on untrusted networks.
- Hides your traffic from the network operator (e.g., a café or airport).
- Useful if you’re handling sensitive work or want extra privacy.
There are several good VPNs out there, such as…
- Private Internet Access (PIA)
- NordVPN
- ExpressVPN
- ProtonVPN
Using a VPN on a public WiFi is a good habit, but it is only one layer of protection and sometimes the connections can be slow.
Almost every smartphone today has some sort of security built in to their software and hardware. If you are using an Android phone, it has a built in browser protection through Google. Apple iPhones also have platform security built in.
We are here to help prevent the loss of your business and to help you avoid unnecessary stress.
If you are interested in learning more about securing your computer systems send an email to jnay@jimnay.com. You can also call or text us at 615-443-4842.
All the best,
Jim Nay
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