{"id":1387,"date":"2021-11-11T09:41:09","date_gmt":"2021-11-11T09:41:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pandavpnpro.com\/blog\/?p=1387"},"modified":"2021-11-11T09:41:09","modified_gmt":"2021-11-11T09:41:09","slug":"public-wifi-security","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ipandavpn.com\/blog\/public-wifi-security","title":{"rendered":"Public Wi-Fi Security: 7 Tips to Avoid Public Wi-Fi Risk"},"content":{"rendered":"

Free public Wi-Fi in cafes, airports, restaurants, or hotels is convenient but comes at a price. Most free public Wi-Fi users are at risk from hackers. Fortunately, there are safeguards against them.<\/p>\n

Besides hackers, what are the other security threats to public Wi-Fi? What to do to avoid potential free Wi-Fi risks? Keep reading to figure them out.<\/p>\n

What Public Wi-Fi Risk You May Encounter?<\/h2>\n

The followings are some of the most common security threats to free public Wi-Fi.<\/p>\n

Identity Theft<\/strong><\/p>\n

Identity theft is a cybercrime that cybercriminals use public Wi-Fi to steal people\u2019s credit card information. As a result, they might withdraw money, make purchases, even apply for loans, or commit other crimes all in their name.<\/p>\n

Data Breach<\/strong><\/p>\n

Nowadays, data is valuable and data breach is very common. Stores and restaurants collect your data to tailor their marketing. This can affect any kind of information you store on your device, including your photos, videos, documents, and contacts among others.<\/p>\n

Malware Infection<\/strong><\/p>\n

Using public Wi-Fi makes you an easy target for browser hijackers. When you\u2019re browsing a website, there are ads popping up on the screen. These ads may contain malware. And an accidental click on it might bring dangerous software right into your phone, tablet, laptop, or desktop.<\/p>\n

Hacker Attacks<\/strong><\/p>\n

Hackers also hide behind unprotected public Wi-Fi networks.<\/p>\n

When you are searching for a Wi-Fi hotspot, you are likely to set your devices to discover new networks, making it possible for hackers to connect directly to your devices. And they will use an unsecured Wi-Fi connection to distribute malware, which is a risk for the financial information on your devices.<\/p>\n

\"Hacker<\/p>\n

How to Avoid Public Wi-Fi Risk?<\/h2>\n

Here are important steps to take when you are under a public Wi-Fi connection.<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. 1. Use a VPN<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Using a VPN (virtual private network) enables you to keep your online privacy from hidden risks in public Wi-Fi.<\/strong> How does a VPN work<\/a> to protect your Wi-Fi connection safe?<\/p>\n

    Simply put, a VPN creates an encrypted tunnel for your data to stream. The data flowing between your device and the network is unreadable. Cybercriminals, browser hijackers, hackers, and stores and restaurants mentioned above have no access to snoop and steal your personal information and browsing history.
    \n\"See
    \nMost VPNs are quick and easy to use while providing you with privacy and safety. Note that only     paid VPNs<\/a> will serve to secure your public Wi-Fi connection. Most free VPNs are not safe<\/a>. Instead, they might contain malware. Some of them have long-term cooperation with advertisers. That\u2019s why they collect your online activities.<\/p>\n

    PandaVPN<\/a> is what we want to recommend here. Located in Seychelles, PandaVPN offers private, secure, and fast connections.<\/strong> You can get 256-bit ECC encryption and OpenVPN protection.<\/p>\n

    What to expect on PandaVPN?<\/p>\n