You must’ve heard about the importance of a VPN app and that you should use it when your device is connected to a public WiFi network. But why exactly should you do that? And how can you suffer from staying unprotected while using a public wireless network? In this article, we will shed some light on these questions.
Why aren’t public WiFis safe?
Routers in public places are rarely safeguarded from hacker attacks. They lack updated software, and often, they lack additional protection required for routers that are available for lots of strangers. Why doesn’t anyone take care of it? Simply because it’s just another thing to worry about, and the priority is to provide people in this public place with access to the internet. So once that done, usually no one can be bothered with anything related to the router and the network — unless something happens.
Therefore, public networks are highly vulnerable to attacks. And once hackers have access to the router, they also have access to all the devices that are connected to it. It’s a piece of cake to get into a device that is using a hijacked router. Then malefactors can basically do whatever they want with the gadget and the information stored on it.
It means hackers can inject malware to get some profit later or steal your data right away. Usually, they aim for emails, bank card details, passwords, addresses, and personal media they could use to blackmail people.
Additionally, malefactors can monitor the online activity of all users connected to a vulnerable router. By doing so, they might sniff out more information that could be valuable to them. Also, they can infect all the devices at once with malware for continuous access to gadgets.
So, as you can see, it’s quite dangerous to connect to public WiFis. Another thing that makes them potentially threatening is that you never know if it’s really a network owned by a public place. For example, hackers can intentionally set up networks called, for example, “Starbucks_free_wifi” near a Starbucks. Can you guess if that’s a WiFi established by malefactors? We doubt that.
Finally, don’t forget that the owner of a public WiFi can see your online activity — from the websites you used to people you talked to via messages or calls.
Therefore, the best thing to do would be to avoid connecting to public networks altogether. You can use mobile data to browse from your phone and turn your smartphone into an access point if you need to access the Internet from your laptop. However, sometimes we have no other choice than to connect to a public WiFi. Then we need to protect ourselves.
How does a VPN app protect you from all this?
A VPN app acts as an additional layer between you and any malefactors that are waiting for their victims by encrypting and rerouting your traffic through VPN servers. iNinja is a free VPN app that will protect you from snooping and hijacks without you even noticing any difference. Here are the reasons to trust iNinja your security:
iNinja doesn’t record details about your activity. This VPN app is compliant with all privacy regulations and gathers only the information required for the service to work properly and to comply with the law.
It’s easy to install and use. The iNinja VPN is extremely straightforward. There are no complex settings. Just choose the country you want and connect to a server located there. That’s it!
Strong encryption. We use 128-bit SSL to protect your data.
Unlimited server switches. Switch between countries as much as you like.
No speed limits. iNinja doesn’t impact the bandwidth much, so you won’t notice any difference when the VPN app is on.
Different countries. Choose between 8 locations to pick the country you want.
Covers all devices. iNinja is a free VPN for Android, iOS, Windows, and iMac devices.
No costs. All these benefits come for free!
24/7 support. We’re there when you need help.
We’ve started this article with the intention to outline reasons for you to use a VPN app when connected to public WiFis. And at this point, we honestly can’t find any reasons not to use it. Can you?
Additional tips to stay safe in public places
You can do more to protect yourself besides using a VPN. These simple tips will help you shield your data and device.
Don’t allow automatic connections
Usually, portable devices connect to available WiFi networks by default. Disable this feature because otherwise, your gadget might connect to a dangerous network without you even realizing it.
Think before connecting
Before you connect to a public network, think if you really need it. Could you use your mobile data instead? If not, it’s better to ask staff for the name of a network to be sure you’ll not connect to the WiFi that belongs to hackers.
Mind your activity
If you had to connect to a public network, avoid performing any sensitive actions. For example, don’t do online shopping as it could expose your bank card details. Avoid signing into your personal accounts so that login details remain intact. And don’t share sensitive information via messages or calls while you’re connected to a public WiFi.
Turn off file sharing and use an antivirus
If you have file sharing enabled because you use it at home, turn this feature off in public places. Also, keep your firewall on and use an antivirus program to protect your device from getting infected.
As you can see, it’s fairly easy to protect your gadget and data from malefactors in public places. Use our tips and our iNinja VPN app to always be safeguarded from any threats that might be waiting for you online.
