As a frequent traveler, I use public WiFi networks at places like Starbucks on a regular basis. Public WiFi security is a major concern, because most places run their free public WiFi in a wide open state. When you check email, or Facebook, or bank account at your local coffee shop you could be at risk. Some potential risks are mitigated by secure HTTPS connections, but on an open WiFi network you still need to take additional security precautions. Ideally you should create your own private network that runs securely on top of the WiFi network. It’s easier than you think and requires a quick and easy free software install available to anyone with Windows, Mac OS X, or Linux.
Install a VPN to secure your computer on public WiFi
The solution for creating your own protected network for true public WiFi security is to use free VPN software. At one point, this involved a great deal of complex configuration, but plenty of free services allow you to secure your browsing. Hotspot Shield is one of the easiest of these services to configure. Their price for securing your connection is showing ads at the top of your browser window, but you can easily close them.
After you download and install Hotspot Shield, turn it on as soon as you connect to a public WiFi network. Make sure you do this before you browse anyplace you might be using a username or password.
Hotspot Shield sits in your system tray with an indicator letting you know whether your connection is secure or not. If the Hotspot Shield icon is green, you are protecting your connection. If the Hotspot Shield icon is red, your passwords are at risk. The icon also appears yellow during the connection process. Remember to wait until it turns green before entering passwords in any site.
