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Why you should use a VPN on Public Wi-Fi?
We all have come across a point in life where we have had to use a public WiFi since staying online at all times is necessary for most of us, be it in a hotel, airport, or even a café. Maybe it's because our mobile data is over, or it's just that we have trouble getting a signal there. Anyway, it's always advised to have a VPN while you use public networks since public networks are always dangerous, considering their weak security and high vulnerability to cybersecurity attacks.
How Do Hackers Use Public Networks?
Hackers have been known to attack public WiFi hotspots to obtain access to users' data. When a hacker manages to intercept data exchanged between your device and the shared server, this is known as a Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) attack. This allows a hacker to sniff out any information that flows between you and the websites you visit, including browsing history, account logins, and purchase transactions. Data such as passwords, bank details, card numbers are at the risk of getting exposed.
Hackers can also gain access to your data by using bogus WiFi connections. They make a fake access point and use it to access any device connected to that WiFi network. As a result, it's critical to doublecheck that you're connected to the correct network when using public WiFi.
VPN and its Working
A VPN is one of the most dependable and secure ways to safeguard your devices, and it was designed specifically for use with public WiFi. A virtual private network (VPN) connects users' devices to a private network over a public network. VPNs protect your internet connection by acting like a bulletproof vest. They preserve your privacy, enabling private and anonymous web browsing and encrypting the data sent through that connection.
As you connect to the Internet, the VPN functions as an intermediary, masking your IP address (the string of digits your ISP assigns to your device) and protecting your identity. Furthermore, if your data is intercepted in any way, it will remain unreadable until it reaches its intended destination.
A VPN establishes a secret "tunnel" between your device and the Internet, concealing your sensitive information through encryption. Therefore, your traffic is encrypted when you use a VPN so that no one can intercept it over public WiFi. VPN encrypts your connection everywhere, so you don't have to worry about external security. Cybercriminals won't be able to break through the encryption barrier, and you'll be safe.
It's vital to remember that VPNs aren't the same as anti-virus software. A VPN connection protects your IP address and encrypts your browsing history, but it does not safeguard your machine from outside intrusion.
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