In the digital age, where the internet has become an indispensable part of our daily lives, accessing Wi-Fi on the go has become increasingly common. Whether we’re checking emails, scrolling through social media, or getting work done remotely, public Wi-Fi networks have become a go-to solution. 

• But the question remains: Is it safe to use these networks? We spoke with industry experts at Bit-Wizards to shed light on this topic and provide valuable insights.

Jenni Taylor, the MITS Service Manager at Bit-Wizards, says that using public Wi-Fi is absolutely safe as long as certain precautions are taken, especially when dealing with sensitive information. Taylor emphasizes, “We would recommend not to access critical accounts such as bank accounts, credit cards, personal information, or even work information.”

To enhance security while using public Wi-Fi, one of the key precautions Taylor suggests is using a VPN (Virtual Private Network). A VPN works by encrypting all of your information and ensuring that everything remains secure while connected to a public Wi-Fi network. By utilizing a VPN, users can add an extra layer of protection to their online activities.

Sam Blowes, Director of IT at Bit-Wizards, further explains the role VPNs play in security while on-the-go.

• “It’s a way of making sure that even though you’re on the public network, you create a small little pocket network within that called a virtual private network,” he said. “What it does is create a secure tunnel from your computer back to wherever the VPN endpoint is on the other end.”

For Bit-Wizards’ Managed IT Services clients, they ensure that their clients always have a firewall that has VPN software already built in. That means, if you’re out-and-about, you can always install that VPN software on your laptop, and can connect back to the home base with this VPN tunnel. 

“The tunnel that we’ve created is encrypted,” explained Jason Monroe, Director of Solution Consulting. “The data that’s going from your laptop through the public network, back to either your work or home location, it’s all encrypted to that point. Even if somebody can see you online, see the traffic and ‘grab’ it out of the cloud, it’s going to look like gibberish to them.”

Monroe says that without IT protections in place, you’re also susceptible to ransomware attacks, malware, and viruses when using any public wi-fi. 

While utilizing a VPN adds a significant layer of security, BitWizards stresses the importance of exercising caution and not solely relying on it. Monroe advises to be aware of your surroundings when accessing critical, secure information even while connected to a VPN. He warns, “Just because you’re on a VPN doesn’t mean that there’s someone not right behind you, paying attention to what you’re doing.”

• Additionally, it’s important to be aware that not all public Wi-Fi networks are created equal. Some networks may have weak security measures or could even be operated by malicious actors aiming to steal users’ information. 
• Exercising caution and following best practices is essential to ensure online safety.

While public Wi-Fi networks offer convenience, Bit-Wizards says it’s important to prioritize data protection. By following their advice, such as refraining from accessing critical accounts, utilizing a VPN, and being mindful of network security, you can navigate public Wi-Fi networks more safely. 

• “If you have any questions, please give us a call here at Bit-Wizards,” added Taylor. “We will be happy to help.”