When we connect to public Wi-Fi networks , such as an airport or a shopping center, we can have security problems. We don’t really know who created that network and whether or not it is legitimate. For this reason, we must take certain precautions so that passwords are not stolen or a virus sneaks into us. In this article we are going to talk about 3 things that you should avoid if you are going to navigate through unprotected Wi-Fi networks.
What to avoid when browsing without VPN
To improve security when connecting to a public Wi-Fi network, something essential is to have a VPN . There are many available, both free and paid. If we browse directly without this type of program, the information we exchange may be exposed. This could pose a significant security problem, since if there is an intruder they could read everything we are sending. Especially you have to avoid some more sensitive things.
Make a payment
One of the situations in which it is convenient to use a VPN when using a public Wi-Fi network is when making a payment. In a transaction like that we can have problems if an intruder interferes with what we are sending. For example, if you are going to buy any online product through a web page or application.
In this case, it is essential to use a VPN if we want to maintain security. Although nowadays transactions of this type are usually encrypted, we are not 100% exempt from the fact that there is a problem, a leak, and any intruder can see the bank card details or any information that we are sending when making the payment.
Log in
Something similar happens when logging in . For example, if we enter social networks such as Facebook or Twitter, in the email account or in any other online service. In all these cases, the data we send can end up in the wrong hands. By not traveling encrypted, all of that can be exposed for an intruder to steal.
They can steal the password, but also the username or any information we send. This is undoubtedly a problem that will affect privacy and security, so using a VPN is a very good idea on public Wi-Fi networks to log in.
Send sensitive information
Of course, it is also necessary to use a VPN to send information that may be sensitive . For example, confidential data that you have to share with others, important company documents, etc. All of this can travel unprotected on a public network that may be malicious.
What a VPN does is encrypt that connection and everything we are sending will be encrypted. For example messages through applications, it will not travel exposed so that any possible intruder can steal it.
In short, these are some of the situations in which you should use a VPN when browsing public Wi-Fi networks. It’s important to troubleshoot if the VPN won’t connect and stay protected at all times.
