Free Wi-Fi spots in coffee shops, airports, public transport, and shopping malls look extremely attractive. No wonder, three out of four people use these networks from time to time. But have you ever asked yourself is it secure? Or do you think that if public Wi-Fi in the library requires a password to log in, you are good to go?
Unfortunately, public Wi-Fi is never safe. Hackers know how to get an advantage of unprotected networks, and you don’t even need to be a politician or a businessman to attract their attention. So, if you’re not ready to share your online identity and money with attackers, it is time to find out more about strategies for protecting iOS devices and peace of mind.
Use a VPN – Virtual Private Network
If you use public Wi-Fi on a daily basis, then a mobile VPN is the best solution you need to protect your privacy. The only thing you need is to choose a good service provider and install an application on your iPhone, iPad, or MacBook.
Simply put, VPN for iOS creates a secure tunnel between your smartphone, tablet, or laptop, and a private VPN server. Then, this server routes your traffic to the resources you’re accessing. Once you dig this, you can find out that both hackers and ISPs are not able to track and intercept your Internet activity. All they’re able to see is a combination of numbers and letters that makes no sense. Your true IP address is masked and replaced with an address of the chosen server that could be located anywhere. You could physically be in the USA, but your iPad VPN would show that you’re in Australia.
Actually, there are many other reasons why use VPN on iPhone, and you can get an advantage of this option even if you’re not a fan of public Wi-Fi networks. When your IP is hidden, you can easily access geo-blocked sites, torrents, etc. Many users install this tool in order to watch streaming content, and it can be very helpful when you’re traveling abroad.
The point is that you should find a secure and reliable iPhone or iPad VPN that doesn’t have vulnerabilities in its connection protocols or servers. Free tools are good for temporary use only, so it is better to choose a pro-version and gain additional security.
Change your Device’s Settings
There are some simple life hacks you can use to improve your iPhone security and make your device far less sensitive to attacks.
- Turn off the automatic Wi-Fi connection. It is embarrassing to realize that your device might be looking for open hotspots even when you don’t actually need one. Once you stop it from connecting to random networks, you take your iPad security to the next level.
- Enable a firewall. Not only does this feature monitor the traffic flowing from or to your network, but you can also use it to block traffic. The firewall will compare it with predefined rules so that malicious or unauthorized access is impossible. Of course, a VPN for iOS is still needed unless you’re not going to use public networks at all.
- Update your software. It is stupid to think that your smartphone, tablet, or laptop is protected when it is not as up-to-date as possible. The good news is that most updates are enabled automatically, especially when it comes to Apple’s devices. Nevertheless, if you want to feel absolutely safe, it is important to check, and a mobile VPN is not an exception. The point is that software developers eliminate vulnerabilities and support updates with security patches.
These steps will not take you much time, and you can easily find detailed instructions on how to enable a firewall, turn off automatic connection, or why use VPN on iPhone.
Mind Your Internet Behavior
To be honest, even the best digital applications will not help you if you’re not aware of basic security rules. And vice versa, even if you know the risks of sun exposure, it doesn’t mean that you don’t go outside. You can use public Wi-Fi with a VPN for iOS but only if you’re using sunscreen and glasses for enjoying sunny weather.
First of all, if you run out of the Internet and are looking for a network to connect to, it is better to spend some time finding legitimate and secure Wi-Fi. The fewer users it has, the better. It would be a good decision to choose a network that is connected to a famous brand (like Starbucks) that is more likely to have better encryption in order to avoid hacking scandals. It goes without saying that it should be password-protected.
Then, it would be a crucial mistake to download or install some applications while on public Wi-Fi. Never click on pop-ups, and stay clear of resources that require you to log in. Even with the HPPTS, your personal information still could be exposed. Besides, ensure that you use 2FA on your accounts.
As soon as you finish using an open Wi-Fi network, be sure to “forget” it on your settings.
Digital security matters a lot these days, and it doesn’t take much time or effort to understand the risks and protect yourself from cybercriminals. Rely on the best security practices and stay safe!