The internet has become such an important part of our lives that we tend to look for WiFi everywhere we go. It’s normal to ask for WiFi passwords in coffee shops, stores, and restaurants or to look for open WiFi networks in public. Many internet service providers have recognized the rising demand for WiFi hotspots, which is why users can find free WiFi just about anywhere these days.
However, are open internet connections truly free? The truth is, public WiFi hotspots come with an enormous price – data security. While it might be easy to find free WiFi in big cities, staying safe and avoiding data theft can be a challenge. Even though using VPN can help in some way, there are other things that you can do to be safe. Read on to learn how to get free WiFi wherever you go, as well as how to stay safe when using it.
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How to Get Free WiFi
Free WiFi has become so common that users can walk into a shop and ask for a password. However, if you’re not lucky enough to be near a Starbucks or McDonald’s, here are three ways to find and access free public WiFi.
#1 Use a Hotspot Database App
While in most cases users can easily spot WiFi connections in public, some areas might not be so generous in terms of revealing free hotspots. If you find yourself in a situation where your device cannot recognize any hotspots or connections nearby, try using a hotspot database app.
There are plenty of hotspot database applications available for free on the Google Play Store and Apple’s App Store as well. These applications feature extensive lists of WiFi hotspots located all over the world. Using the app can help you spot the nearest available WiFi connections. Some of the most popular hotspot database apps include WiFi Mapper and the Avast WiFi Finder.
#2 Go to Popular WiFi Hotspot Locations
If you need to connect to the internet as quickly as possible, your best bet is popular WiFi hotspot locations. They include places that usually have open WiFi networks. Libraries, public plazas, and popular coffee shops are known to have public WiFi available 24/7.
However, keep in mind that areas such as public plazas and malls tend to be overcrowded. This means that the public network in such areas might be overwhelmed. It can also mean that you might face an increased security risk due to the large number of users on the network.
#3 Discover Hidden Networks
One of the reasons why you cannot find many public WiFi connections is because most networks are hidden. The SSID, known as the Service Set Identifier, can be hidden from the public, which completely hides the network. Luckily, hidden networks can be discovered using apps such as NetSpot.
WiFi analyzer apps such as NetSpot can find hidden nearby networks and allow you to connect to them. This specific application works both on Windows and MacOS computers, as well as all mobile devices. All you have to do is download the app and activate the discover mode to receive a list of hidden nearby networks.
How to Stay Safe Using Free Wifi?
Now that you know how to get free WiFi, keep in mind that these connections are not fully secured. Even the networks with passwords are not to be trusted, let alone the open ones. Namely, hackers use public networks to intercept users’ data and share malicious files. These activities can lead to serious cybersecurity threats from small data breaches to identity theft that can have large financial consequences.
With that said, it’s important to ensure full security when using a public network. The best way to do so is to activate a VPN. Short for a virtual private network, a VPN uses strong protocols to encrypt incoming and outgoing data and hide it from third parties and hackers. Once the user activates a VPN, hackers won’t be able to identify their device on the public network, which will significantly reduce the risk of cyberattacks. Virtual private networks mask users’ IPs by replacing them with IP addresses of remote servers.
However, keep in mind that the level of security provided by a VPN depends on the service you choose. Unlike paid VPN services, free VPNs often log users’ information and sell it for advertising purposes. To ensure the highest level of security, we suggest opting for a paid VPN service with numerous server locations and strong encryption protocols.
Conclusion
The only thing better than having access to the internet wherever you go is having it for free. However, free WiFi comes with a cost that must not be neglected. Public networks can expose users’ devices to countless security threats, leading to serious consequences. To prevent unwanted security issues, make sure to use virtual private networks and implement other safety measures such as enabling a firewall, using two-factor authentication on your device, and activating an antivirus program.
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