Public Wi-Fi Security Guide for Hotels, Airports, and Cafes
Airport, hotel, shopping center, and cafe Wi-Fi is convenient, but you cannot easily verify the router configuration, other users, or even whether the network name is genuine. Safe habits should work together with a VPN rather than relying on one tool.
Verify the network instead of guessing
Confirm the network name and sign-in process with staff. Avoid similarly named hotspots that may be impersonating the venue. Turn off automatic connection to open networks and remove the saved network after use.
A safer connection order
Keep the operating system and browser updated, verify that important sites use HTTPS, and then establish the VPN connection. If the network triggers a certificate warning, do not dismiss it or force the browser to continue.
Extra care for sensitive activity
For banking, work administration, or account recovery, prefer trusted mobile data or a personal hotspot. Enable multi-factor authentication for important accounts and disable file sharing or device discovery when they are unnecessary.