Always using WiFi, would you recommend using a VPN?

[DanJord]

Hey,

So I'm pretty new to these forums and have already picked up a few tips!

I just wanted to ask a quick question: I am always using public WiFi spots as I work when I am travelling, people keep telling me to get a VPN as people could easily hack my connection - is this true?

I was looking at some free vpns listed here: [Link removed]

Or would you say id be better of buying a vpn subscription?

Hope you guys can help!

Thanks!

 

[IWT]

Good evening, Dan. Thank you for your post.

It is not recommended that you use public Wi-Fi without VPN. These are not protected Wi-Fi hotspots and, yes, you would be at risk of being hacked. It doesn't matter whether the Wi-Fi is on a bus, in a cafe or hotel, use a VPN.

Secondly, it is a truism that you get what you pay for. Free VPNs are generally to be avoided. Do a bit of Google research on "Best VPN for iOS" or MacBook, whatever you use and read the reviews. You will see that there are a number of VPNs that always make the top five.

Privacy and speed are important factors.

Ian

 

[ferrarr]

Also, since you didn't mention it, don't forget to enable the included macOS Firewall, in System Preferences > Security & Privacy.

 

[RadDave]

Hey,

So I'm pretty new to these forums and have already picked up a few tips!

I just wanted to ask a quick question: I am always using public WiFi spots as I work when I am travelling, people keep telling me to get a VPN as people could easily hack my connection - is this true?

I was looking at some free vpns listed here: [Link Removed]

Or would you say id be better of buying a vpn subscription? .........

...It is not recommended that you use public Wi-Fi without VPN. These are not protected Wi-Fi hotspots and, yes, you would be at risk of being hacked. It doesn't matter whether the Wi-Fi is on a bus, in a cafe or hotel, use a VPN.

Secondly, it is a truism that you get what you pay for. Free VPNs are generally to be avoided. Do a bit of Google research on "Best VPN for iOS" or MacBook, whatever you use and read the reviews. You will see that there are a number of VPNs that always make the top five.

Privacy and speed are important factors.

Hi Dan.... - Ian has already given you excellent advice - 'open' public Wi-Fi spots are potentially dangerous w/ 'cyber sniffers' around AND in particular if you're sending passwords and personal or business information - if the latter applies to you, then using a VPN as urged would be a strong recommendation. As to 'free' vs. 'paid', I have to agree w/ Ian - many of these VPN subscription services are not that expensive, particularly if you are indeed transferring sensitive information.

As already indicated, simple googling can bring up plenty of websites & discussions, e.g. the first pic below is from HERE (dated Sept 2018) - one of their less expensive choices is PIA - Private Internet Access (second pic and check link) - this is the one I use - inexpensive and rather 'bare bones' - I'd might be happier w/ other ones (has been a few years); BUT, when wife and I are traveling, I usually take my MBAir & iPad Air 2, both of which have PIA installed which I will activate if the network used is indeed completely open - AND, I'm retired and have a rule of not doing anything that might cause a personal/financial issue, thus would be more important if a business issue(s).

SO - bottom line is that you should certainly look into using a VPN when out in public using unprotected Wi-Fi networks. Dave
.

.

 

[Diamond123]

Hey,

So I'm pretty new to these forums and have already picked up a few tips!

I just wanted to ask a quick question: I am always using public WiFi spots as I work when I am travelling, people keep telling me to get a VPN as people could easily hack my connection - is this true?

I was looking at some free vpns listed here: [Link Removed]

Or would you say id be better of buying a vpn subscription?

Hope you guys can help!

Thanks!

Hi,

I'm new to the forum as well, but I know a few things about VPNs, mainly because I'm in the same situation as you. Have to travel a lot for work, so I have no choice but to use public wifis. You should definitely get a VPN because your data could get hacked easily.

Never use a free vpn, because they are not safe. I've read a few articles, that free vpns sell your data to 3rd parties, it even says in their terms. Personally, I would recommend buying a subscription. I use nord vpn, mainly because of the extra security features and its price is lower than the likes of express vpn. There are black Friday deals right now for different vpns, you should check them out.

 

[Raz0rEdge]

I'm going to close this thread due to the amount of spam that it is picking up.

Bottom line: Use a VPN when you are on a public WiFi. As to WHICH VPN you want to use it entirely up to you, there are countless websites that will do comparisons for you based on price, performance and so on. Use one that fits your needs.