Easily Manage Wi-Fi Hotspot Security Risks With A VPN Service

Wi-Fi hotspots are notorious for being some of the most significant connectivity related security risks users encounter on a regular basis. They are found at airports, hotels, restaurants, coffee shops, and even local libraries.

While most users are aware of the risks, they do very little to protect themselves.  Fortunately, there are a variety of strategies, including using a VPN service, which can minimize the risks associated with using and unsecure Wi-Fi hotspot. The key is understanding why these risks are greater at Wi-Fi hotspots and how to address them.

Wi-Fi Hotspot Security Risks and how to Control Them

Wi-Fi Hotspots Send Your Information through the Air

The primary reason Wi-Fi hotspots are considered to be significantly riskier than using an Ethernet connection is because of how the information is transferred. When transferring information through an Ethernet cable, there is a marginal amount of security built into the cable itself. In order to access a User's personal information, a hacker must gain access to the data stream.

At a Wi-Fi hotspot, personal information is passed through the air.  Connecting to a VPN server, the personal information traveling through the air becomes encrypted. Additionally, a VPN data stream does not allow additional data to be entered except at the two endpoints – the user and the VPN server.  This process is often referred to as tunneling.

Wi-Fi Hotspots Send Detectable Signals a Mile or More

Most people are surprised to learn their information can be spotted by hackers up to a mile or more outside of the Wi-Fi hotspot. Advanced scanning devices are continually improving their range and can now detect wireless transmissions from a laptop from more than a mile away.

These scanning devices allow hackers to identify unsecure data streams and access personal information without being at the actual Wi-Fi hotspot. A VPN connection cannot make a wireless data stream undetectable.  Instead, VPN services utilize high levels of encryption so even if someone does identify the data stream, they will not be able to see what type of information is being encrypted.

[Image Credits: www.techandscience.com/]

Combine a VPN Connection with NAT Firewall

One benefit of using a quality VPN service is the ability to combine it with NAT firewall. This is particularly beneficial in a wireless setting because the firewall will prevent unwanted incoming connections and data transfers.

A VPN will provide a secure connection between the user's device and the VPN server while the NAT firewall will prevent any additional incoming connection attempts. Second only to directly accessing a data stream, malicious incoming connections are the most significant Wi-Fi hotspot risk.

These connections can be used by hackers to send dangerous data packets to a user's device in order to access personal information or hijack the device. Wi-Fi hotspots provide significant benefits to anyone with a device which utilizes a wireless connection.

Fortunately, there is an easy way to minimize the risks associated with Wi-Fi hotspots without limiting the benefits. A quality VPN service and NAT firewall provides users with additional layers of security at the two primary points of attack – the data stream and malicious incoming connections.

Fred Lockhart enjoys writing articles about online security. He is passionate about internet security and therefore, has been doing reseach for the last few years and putting that research to good use, by sharing his knowledge with his readers. A secure and reliable VPN service provider that Lockhart recommends can be found at http://www.goldenfrog.com/vyprvpn/android-vpn

Jacqueline Starz

About the Author:

This post is written by Jacqueline Starz - Orange Coast Auto dealer Chrysler Irvine dealer serves the cities of San Juan Capistrano, San Clemente and Mission Viejo with a great selection of safe and affordable cars.