Having access to free WiFi is a blessing, as it provides you with free access to the internet on the go. Whether you are a traveler, student, or a normal person who enjoys staying connected to the internet, knowing how you can get access to free WiFi without compromising your online privacy can be a game changer.
Although the benefits of free WiFi are many, the main problem with free WiFi is that you never know how safe the connection is. Fortunately, we have compiled a list of various ways by which you access free WiFi in public without compromising your online safety and privacy.
Use Secure Public Hotspots
Public hotspots are available in almost every public place you can think of, be it cafes, restaurants, coffee shops, malls, libraries, airports, and shopping centers. Many of these places provide free Wi-Fi access in order to attract and accommodate customers.
So if you are looking to get access to a free WiFi network, these places are a great way to start. You can find various public hotspots with the help of WiFi maps and apps that can show you the locations of secure connections.
Most of these public WiFi networks are secure, however, you should still exercise caution and verify the legitimacy of the network before connecting to the network.
Use Your Smartphone as a WiFi Hotspot
Your smartphone can act as a portable WiFi hotspot and allow you to get free WiFi access anywhere on all of your devices. Every smartphone these days comes with a built-in feature that enables you to share your mobile data with other devices. If you have an internet plan on your smartphone, you can turn your smartphone into a portable WiFi hotspot.
This will not only provide you with access to the internet on the go on your various devices but will also preserve your online security and privacy. However, you should keep one thing in mind: using your smartphone as a portable hotspot will consume your mobile data and more battery than usual.
Use a VPN
Using a VPN can allow you to preserve and maintain your online privacy when joining any public WiFi network. When you are in public and get access to any public WiFi network, it is better to be on the safe side and use a VPN to encrypt your data, secure the connection, and preserve your privacy.
Using a VPN is one of the most effective ways to secure your internet connection on a public WiFi network. The advantage of using a VPN is that not only can you access the internet for free on a public WiFi network but you also don’t have to worry about your online privacy.
A VPN also comes in handy while you are using an in-flight WiFi service like United. Although the in-flight WiFi service is quite secure compared to public WiFi, a VPN further secures your internet connection.
Carry a Portable WiFi Router
Carrying a portable WiFi router or travel router can also allow you to access the internet in public without compromising your online privacy. These are devices that allow you to create a WiFi network using a SIM card or by connecting to an existing public WiFi network.
For people who are frequent travelers, these devices are ideal for accessing the internet on the go without compromising your privacy. These devices provide enhanced security along with full control over the network and the ability to add a VPN connection for an extra layer of privacy and protection.
