How Does a VPN Protect You on Public WiFi

For many people, seeing that sweet “free WiFI” sign means you have found your people. However, privacy-conscious people might see a convenient death trap. Thankfully, using a VPN can help secure yourself when using these accessible sources. But how does a VPN protect you on public WiFI?

A VPN encrypts your connection and traffic logs typically exposed through public WiFi networks. You can confidently use most public internet sources through proper usage and good security practices.

Below, we will explore what makes these free WiFi sources dangerous. You will also find additional security tips to take home.

What Makes Public WiFi Dangerous?

Two things make public WiFI dangerous:

1. Public access allows companies and guests to access and use your data freely
2. Public access also creates the potential of “evil twin attacks”

While it is true that your small-time coffee shop probably isn’t going to take your information, we can’t say the same about large corporations. Many companies thrive on using data, possibly using it for programmatic advertising later on. 

However, public WiFI usage is primarily a selling point to draw people in. A company’s actual use of programmatic advertising is through Facebook or Google. Still, most privacy agreements say, “your data is forfeit.” 

Other guests that are hackers with the right tools can be far more dangerous. Since everyone can use and access this public resource, not everyone who uses it is in it for browsing cat memes. Accessing financial information or your private social accounts is not ideal, as people can retrieve that data with the right tools and effort. Sometimes, this attack doesn’t come from the people but the public server you access.

The Risk of Public Evil Twin Attacks

What are evil twin attacks? When nearby WiFi access points mimic public network names (SSIDs), these attacks happen. When you access these “public” networks, the owners of those networks have complete access to the websites you visit and the login credentials you use. Some people refer to them as WiFi Honeypots. 

When it comes to identifying the evil twin Network, there are a few ways you can do this:

• More giant corporations typically require you to sign a service agreement, so check for that
• Look around and ask if your local WiFi provider has a password. If not, encourage that they establish one and avoid those without passwords.
• Check to see if the local business even offers free WiFi. If not, there shouldn’t be a WiFi network.
• Enter the wrong password to see if the evil twin network still accepts you
• Disable auto connection features of your mobile phone and laptop
• Walk around to see if the WiFi strength is in an unusual place. Usually, the most substantial point should be near the front service area of the business

Having an active VPN connection will prevent these “evil twins” from getting most of your data. However, your internet traffic data will still likely be on this private network pretending to be public. 

What Does a VPN Do To Protect Public WiFI Access?

Whether you have a public or private internet connection, a VPN performs the same service: it encrypts your data. A good VPN service will give you a secure connection wherever you start. Even on a home network, your internet service provider takes the part of gathering your data.

VPNs help hide the following items:

• Connection logs
• Traffic logs
• IP address information
• Location-based factors
• All data you send 

Being sure your VPN provider has a kill switch and mobile protection is crucial in this case. You can maintain that secure connection across all your mobile devices. 

Still, evil twin networks will have access to this data. So you cannot expect to be 100% secure if you don’t perform additional security checks. 

Potential Attacks From Using Public WiFi

Outside of the most common evil twin attack, here are ways that hackers can access your data through alternative options:

• Usage of public networks exposes you to a potential malware injection. Viruses are common on both public and private networks, but public networks offer easy access. You might find these on shared files or server-based file systems.
• WiFi sniffing is a passive act that allows users to monitor the transfer of data passing through a WiFI network. This mostly happens during evil twin attacks, where the network owner has complete access to data. However, this can happen on public coffee house networks.
• Man-In-The-Middle (MITM) attacks often occur with proxy servers. However, these attacks are likely to happen with public WiFis, where an in-between service can hijack your information. 

The majority of these instances come back to malware injections. These public networks are not regularly monitored, making them ample targets for unwanted software. 

How Else Can You Stay Safe on Public WiFi?

Whenever you access these public wireless networks, you should also use these tips to remain safe:

• Ensure that your wireless settings are reminded that this is a public network. Enabling these settings ensures that you do not overshare, preventing most files from being exposed. Typically, you’ll find these wireless settings will check in whenever you connect to a new SSID.
• Diable WiFi auto-connect features to ensure an evil twin network misses you. This step ensures you have complete control over what public hotspot you use. This is an automatic form of security that requires you to be more active in what you connect to.
• Make sure your file-sharing settings are turned off for public networks. You’d be surprised how many people click the “yes” button on your file-sharing when you have no idea what you just agreed to. Doing so on an unsecured network will enable everyone to take your private files. 
• Consider bringing a mobile router, providing yourself with an extra layer of protection. The router acts as a layer of firewall protection between you and any public network, preventing most potential attacks.
• Always associate your accounts with two-factor authentication (2FA). This prevents third-party individuals from accessing bank details and other vital data. Whether you travel or stay home, there are plenty of reasons to use 2FA. 
• Never log in on public WiFi networks. Using login credentials (especially with important institutions) exposes you to unnecessary harm. If possible, keep your logins to private networks.

Ultimately, the safest way to manage public WiFi networks is not to use them. However, some people have no choice (travelers), so having extra security measures (like VPNs) will help you avoid the most painful results. 

Choosing the Best VPN for Public WiFi

When picking the best VPN for your public use, here are some things worth looking into:

• An excellent public VPN will work across multiple operating systems you are familiar with. That way, any device you bring with you can be under protection from a good VPN client. 
• VPNs with public use will have built-in kill switch options. Having a VPN killswitch on your mobile device will encrypt your online activities. 
• A good VPN for public use will have a vast network of servers. This allows local users to prevent them from tracking any consistency from you, allowing you to switch to multiple locations.
• It would be best if you also looked for a VPN with a good user interface. That way, it isn’t difficult to find essential information. 
• Good VPNs have the bare minimum 256-bit AES encryption; these systems are in use by world governments. This ensures that you have the same protection as some of the most critical file systems. 

Public WiFi VPN FAQs

Is It Illegal To Use A VPN?

No, using a VPN is not an illegal activity. However, many people use VPNs to hide illicit activity. Those who have a natural stigma against VPNs often have assumptions about the kind of people who use them. However, privacy-focused individuals have plenty of understandable reasons. 

Can Public WiFIs Track Your Browsing Data?

Public internet hotspots have a method of tracking your browsing data. Often, companies use this to ensure they aren’t implicated in illegal activities. If they see questionable data coming from you, you might be blocked. 

Existing browsing history is on a different level. If you have browsing history from external sources, public networks won’t usually track these. They lack the tools to hijack this kind of information, which is hidden (unless you keep it on shared folders)

Are There Disadvantages To Using A VPN?

VPNs sometimes will slow down your browsing experience. Also, some public WiFi access points will block them because they buy into the social stigma. Otherwise, there are plenty of reasons you should consider using a VPN.

Conclusion – Does a VPN Make Public WiFI Safer?

Ideally speaking, you will never have to use another public WiFi hotspot. While a VPN does make them safer, they are less secure than your home network. However, travelers and those who often work outside the office can be sure they remain secure using a quality VPN.

For this purpose, consider The Fast VPN as your provider across all major operating systems. Download it today for mobile browsing across Android, Windows, and iOS platforms.