Public Wi-Fi networks (hotels, fast-food, shops, restaurants) make it very easy to access the Internet and without spending a single penny. What is less known, however, is that once connected to these Wi-Fi accesses, any hacker can intercept your data and your identifiers (Facebook, Twitter). We will see today how to secure your Wi-Fi connections using a VPN..
Why is it dangerous to connect to a public Wi-Fi network?
Like many users, you have probably already connected to public Wi-Fi at least once . On vacation or on the go, these free hotspots offer convenient internet access for checking emails or sending messages on social networks.
You can find them everywhere. Few restaurants, fast food restaurants, hotels and even bars do not offer free Wi-Fi to their customers. Problem, these wireless access points almost never offer encryption..
This means that any internet user also connected to the hotspot can know the pages you visit, read your emails and even intercept your confidential data (password, bank code, email or social media identifiers etc…)
Imagine what hackers could do with your secret codes, your personal information (identity, address, telephone number, date of birth)? Identity theft on the internet has experienced very strong growth in recent years.
How to protect your Wi-Fi connection with a VPN
Contrary to popular belief, this type of hacking can potentially affect all smartphone users, including those using an iPhone. You should therefore be particularly careful when connecting to an open network and if possible use a VPN..
What is a VPN for?
The VPN (virtual private network) is a computer system that will encrypt all incoming and outgoing network flows. Your data will thus circulate in a sort of tunnel entirely secured by complex algorithms. Even if a hacker can recover your data, there is nothing they can do about it.
VPN also offers other benefits. You can for example use it to defeat the restrictions imposed by certain sites and in particular the TV catch-up services. They often block access to their videos via a geographic filtering system.
Where to find a VPN service
As you can see, the VPN is the simplest solution for surfing or consulting your emails in complete security. Many providers offer this type of service. But beware, not all VPN offers are created equal. Some providers offer very low speeds.
Configure Freedome VPN on an iPhone
For this tutorial, we have selected Freedome VPN from the Finnish company specializing in computer security F-Secure. Very easy to access, it allows you to surf safely on Wi-Fi terminals with one click.
- Open the App Store and download F-Secure Freedome VPN
- Launch the application
- Then follow the instructions given on the screen to open an account and finalize the configuration.
- Then select your virtual location (for fast speed it is advisable to choose the country closest to where you are)
- Click on Off
- A message will appear on your smartphone warning you that your connection is now secure.
As far as prices are concerned, the basic offer of 49.90 euros for one year protects up to 3 devices (computers and / or smartphones). Note that the Freedome VPN application is available for multiple platforms (PC, Mac, Android, iPhone and iPad).
