Public Wi-Fi Networks are Dangerous But VPNs Make It Too Slow – What’s the Solution?

Are you spending lazy weekend hours at a local coffee shop while browsing the internet? Or checking the cab availability at the airport? We all have used public Wi-Fi at some moment.

Public Wi-Fi networks have their own charm – they’re free! Plus, they’re almost everywhere – cafes, airports, restaurants, hotels, and malls. However, are you aware of public Wi-Fi security risks?

There are a number of risks involved in using public Wi-Fi connections. The biggest of all is somebody stealing your passwords while you’re sipping your favorite latte.

Since these public networks are generally unencrypted, they can easily be hijacked. The public Wi-Fi space is rife with dangers. Let’s see the kind of threats you face every time you are lured by the allure of a free Wi-Fi. And how you can avoid them, of course.

Using public Wi-Fi can be a risky thing, especially if you’re doing business activities on it. Here are some risks involved.

Malware installation

A hacker can inject a code snippet in your device to infect it with malware. From criminals wanting to intercept your data to malware generators that can install anything from a keylogger to ransomware in your device, there are several risks on these free networks.

Man-in-the-middle (MITM) attack

With an MITM attack, the hacker sits between the user and the server and reads everything that’s being transmitted. This is like eavesdropping where a third person can see all your activities without you knowing about his presence.

Snooping/sniffing

Again, a hacker can eavesdrop on your connection. However, it’s different than an MITM attack since the attacker doesn’t sit in the middle. Instead, they use special devices and software to snoop on the conversation.

Malicious Wi-Fi networks

While there are chances that a hacker might have hacked the Wi-Fi of your local café, there can also be instances that the Wi-Fi is set up by a hacker. These honeypot Wi-Fi connections are generally named similar to local cafés or airports so unsuspecting customers will connect to them.

The best way to keep your information safe while accessing a public W-Fi is by using a VPN. A VPN encrypts your data so if there is someone monitoring the network, they won’t be able to read the information you’re sending.

Here are a number of ways in which you can minimize public Wi-Fi security risks.

• Use a VPN
• Don’t allow your device to auto-connect to open Wi-Fi networks
• Don’t access http websites. Only access https websites as they are more secure
• Log out of all account once you’re done using them

As discussed earlier, the best way is to use a VPN so your data gets encrypted. However, the problem with most VPNs is that they make the connection slower. And since public Wi-Fi networks are generally pretty slow, using a VPN with them becomes difficult.

The solution is to use Speedify bonding VPN.

Speedify is unlike other VPNs. While other VPNs slow down your connection, Speedify actually boosts your speeds. It uses channel bonding technology that combines two networks at once to increase the speeds of your connection.

So if you’re outside and have access to two public Wi-Fi networks or a public Wi-Fi and mobile data connection, Speedify will combine them for you. But what if you have just one connection? Will Speedify slow down your speeds then?

When you have just one connection, Speedify will still enhance your speeds. When you send data packets over the internet, some of them can be lost. Speedify quickly resends the lost packets so that the flow of data isn’t broken, thus maintaining a smooth connection.

Apart from the channel bonding services, Speedify also encrypts your data and redirects it through one of its servers so you stay secure and anonymous online. It even works if you have to go through a captive portal (login page).

Want to use a VPN on public Wi-Fi but slow speeds bringing you down? Try Speedify – a VPN with a unique capability to boost speeds while securing your online privacy.