Best VPNs for public WiFi hotspots: A comprehensive guide

Public wifi networks can be a lifesaver when you’re traveling abroad or even just out and about in your own city. However, using them is risky since they’re a tantalizing target for hackers, snoopers, and anyone else hoping to harvest your data. The good news is that you don’t have to trade privacy for convenience. Instead, simply connect to a Virtual Private Network (VPN) beforehand, and you’ll gain all of the benefits of public wifi hotspots with none of the downsides.

So how does this all work? VPNs encrypt all of your internet traffic, preventing it from being read by anyone (including your ISP, public hotspot owners, and the government). This also means that you won’t be limited by web-filtering systems, letting you access whatever you want on public networks. On that note, VPNs change your IP address and can be used to access geo-blocked content abroad, too!

Below, you’ll find a quick overview of my top VPNs for public wifi networks. If any stand out to you, just scroll down for a more in-depth review.

Best VPNs for public wifi hotspots:

1. NordVPN Best VPN for using public wifi safely. Over 9,000 servers in 130+ countries and a strict no-logs policy. Works with Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and more. Strong on privacy, with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
   TIP In our testing we found that the cheapest NordVPN plan (Standard) works perfectly for public Wi-Fi.
2. Surfshark My top budget VPN. Excels at beating restrictions, both on public wifi and abroad. No logs or connection limits. Delivers very high speeds.
3. Total VPN This newcomer-friendly service boasts superfast speeds, strong security tools, and great unblocking ability. Secure up to five devices at once.
4. ProtonVPN A zero-logs service known for its strong privacy focus. Boasts impressive performance and first-class streaming ability. Offers 24/7 support.
5. ExpressVPN This intuitive, versatile service boasts pre-configured security features, exceptional unblocking ability, and generous connection limits.
6. IPVanish No-logs VPN that allows any number of connections. Works well with Netflix, Hulu, and more. Robust set of security tools and 24/7 live chat.
7. CyberGhost Keeps you safe with automatic wifi protection and a wealth of other privacy tools. Very easy to use with tasks for specific tasks like streaming.
8. PureVPN Low-cost VPN perfect for accessing home services on vacation. Robust encryption allows you to use public wifi safely. Effective obfuscation
9. Private Internet Access A reliable, customizable VPN with no connection limit and excellent unblocking ability. Great for those hoping to use public wifi safely.
10. PrivateVPN Logless service with a great reputation. Can beat virtually any online restriction and offers powerful privacy tools, plus a 10-connection limit.

How to use a VPN for public wifi hotspots

I recommend using a VPN whenever you’re on public Wi-Fi. In fact, it’s a good idea to take steps to protect yourself whenever you use a network that you don’t control. Don’t worry: VPNs are surprisingly easy to use. Just follow these steps:

How to get a VPN for public wifi hotspots in four easy steps

1. Choose a quality VPN provider – I recommend NordVPN.
2. Download the VPN, making sure to get the correct version for your devices.
3. Open the VPN app or browser extension and connect to a server in the location of your choice. If you’re just looking to browse safely, connect to a nearby location. However, if you want to access geo-restricted content, connect to a server in that country. For example, you’d use a server in the US to access US Netflix or a server in the UK to access BBC iPlayer.
4. You’re now connected to the VPN and can browse the site you want securely!
5. If you encounter any issues, try clearing your browser’s cache and cookies before trying again, or connect to a different server.

How I chose the top public wifi VPNs

Selecting the right VPN from the hundreds on the market can be somewhat daunting, so I’ve done my best to take the guesswork out of it for you. To find the best VPNs for public wifi, I tested the most promising providers in the following areas:

• Speed: I carried out multiple speed tests for each provider, using a 250 Mbps connection. Note that I considered both raw performance and consistency.
• Network suitability: Providers were rated based on whether they offered automatic wifi protection and worked in restrictive countries like China. I also considered their total server counts and how large their networks were.
• Security and privacy: I evaluated each service using 16 security and privacy metrics, such as what kind of logs they keep, where they’re based, and whether their encryption is up to industry standards.
• Ease of use: The best VPNs are those that put the user first. That’s why I prioritized services with streamlined apps, a high degree of versatility, and lots of quality-of-life features.
• Value for money: Providers have to be fairly priced for the functionality they offer and must include a money-back guarantee. If they have student discounts, frequently go on sale, or provide steep long-term discounts, even better.

The above is just a summary. You can learn more about how I test and rank VPNs in the methodology section at the bottom of this post.

Public wifi VPNs compared

I’ve compared the most important features of the top VPNs here. Prefer to read the in-depth reviews? Start with NordVPN – the #1 choice for public wifi hotspots.

Best VPNs for safely using public wifi hotspots

Without further ado, let’s take a closer look at my top recommended VPNs for using public wifi safely. The reviews below are all based on first-hand experiences and rigorous real-world testing.

Here’s my list of the best VPNs for public wifi hotspots:

1. NordVPN

May 2026

NordVPN is my top pick for a public wifi VPN. With more than 9,000 servers spread across 130+ countries, it boasts one of the largest networks around. It’s a strong choice for international travelers thanks to its custom NordWhisper protocol that sidesteps country-wide censorship with ease. Boasting 24/7 support, a 10-connection limit, and the ability to access stubborn streaming platforms abroad, NordVPN is a fantastic choice for staying safe online.

While connected to its servers in the US, tested speeds ranged from 199.2 Mbps to 204.56 Mbps. NordVPN was the only provider in my tests to exceed 200 Mbps. To put this into perspective, 200 Mbps is fast enough to stream in 4K on over a dozen devices simultaneously, meaning there’s virtually nothing it can’t handle. 

NordVPN hides your online activities from anyone monitoring the network thanks to its unbreakable encryption, leak protection, and kill switch. It also blocks ads and trackers automatically, and can connect on its own when you use an unsecured wifi hotspot at your hotel. This VPN has been repeatedly audited, proving it doesn’t keep any logs. If you’d like to sign up anonymously, there are plenty of options, including paying with Bitcoin or a NordVPN gift card.

This VPN has apps for macOS, Android, Windows, Linux, and iOS. Its website has manual setup guides for most routers, too.

BEST VPN FOR PUBLIC WIFI HOTSPOTS:NordVPN is the top VPN for public wifi. Boasts an expansive network, top-tier security, and the ability to access just about anything. Includes automatic wifi protection and a risk-free, 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full NordVPN review.

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2. Surfshark

Surfshark is the best budget VPN for anyone reliant on public wifi. It stands out from the crowd by allowing any number of simultaneous connections and working flawlessly in places with extreme digital censorship. Additionally, it does a great job of accessing geo-locked platforms such as Netflix and Disney+ abroad. There are 4,500 RAM-only servers spread across 100 countries, and if you need help finding one suitable for a specific task, you can speak with customer support over live chat.

Surfshark’s American servers delivered an average speed of 195.89 Mbps with only 6 Mbps of difference between its fastest and slowest results. That’s truly exceptional and second only to NordVPN. Simply, you should be able to stream live TV, download large files, and stay in touch with friends back home without any issues.

Surfshark’s security suite really stands out. It includes everything you’d expect from a premium VPN (like unbreakable encryption, a kill switch, and a tracker-blocker) but also comes with lots of more advanced tools. For instance, you can have it swap your IP address every few minutes, connect automatically on unsecured networks, or filter out adult content automatically. Most importantly, Surfshark has an audited no-logs policy, ensuring you can trust its privacy claims.

Apps are available for Windows, MacOS, iOS, Linux, and Android. There are also browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox, and manual setup guides for routers.

BEST BUDGET PROVIDER:Surfshark is an excellent low-cost alternative. It offers automatic wifi protection and a kill switch in all apps. Plus, it’s a great unblocker and doesn’t limit connections. Plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee.

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3. Total VPN

Total VPN is a reasonably-priced service with plenty to offer. There are around 1,800 servers throughout 80+ countries, all of which allow P2P traffic. If you’re interested in streaming, good news: this VPN works with major platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video, too. Up to five devices can be protected at the same time, and if anything doesn’t work as expected, you can submit a support ticket on Total VPN’s website. I’d prefer live chat since it’s quicker, but hopefully this will be added in the future.

I tested Total VPN’s American servers multiple times to see just how quick they were and what level of slowdown you can expect at busier times of day. With an average speed of 179.66 Mbps and around 15 Mbps of variability, it’s one of the quickest services in this list, but could be slightly more consistent. Let’s see those results:

This service prioritizes user security, making it a fantastic option for staying safe on public wifi. For starters, it uses unbreakable AES-256 encryption, which is shored up by DNS and IPv6 leak protection, a kill switch, and a no-logs policy. On a network that blocks VPN traffic? No problem, just switch over to the obfuscated Hydra protocol and browse the web without restrictions.

Total VPN provides apps for Android, Windows, iOS, and MacOS devices. There is no support for Linux systems or routers as yet.

STAY SAFE ON THE GO:Total VPN has what it takes to shield your browsing from nosy hotspot owners. It’s a quick, easy-to-use, and security-conscious provider with a large network. There’s even a 30-day money-back guarantee if you sign up for a year (or a 14-day guarantee for short-term subscribers).

Why not read our full Total VPN review?

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4. ProtonVPN

ProtonVPN is well known for its headquarters in Switzerland—a country celebrated for its robust privacy laws. It offers access to 20,000+ servers in over 140 countries, and while it doesn’t offer automatic wifi protection, it does have a robust profile system with all of the customization you’ll ever need. What’s more, ProtonVPN works with almost every streaming service I tested and provides around-the-clock assistance via live chat. There’s a 10 simultaneous connection limit, too, though you’re limited to a single device on the free plan.

I put ProtonVPN’s American servers to the test, ending up with an average speed of 168.95 Mbps. That’s more than fast enough for video calling, streaming in UHD, and multiplayer gaming, plus there was only 8 Mbps of variability, so you shouldn’t experience any random disconnections or other performance problems. 

If privacy is your priority, ProtonVPN is hard to beat. It offers ChaCha20 encryption, a kill switch, and protection against DNS and IPv6 leaks, plus an obfuscated stealth protocol and an audited no-logging policy. There’s even split tunneling and port forwarding support, as well as multi-hop servers. I was impressed by ProtonVPN’s ability to provide this level of flexibility without feeling overwhelming, and would recommend it to anyone who regularly relies on public wifi networks in airports, cafes, or hotels.

ProtonVPN has apps for iOS, Android, Windows, Linux, and MacOS. It can be manually installed on most routers, too. While it’s not the cheapest, it offers an unlimited free plan.

ADVANCED AND SECURE:ProtonVPN is an impressive, high-quality VPN that works with many popular streaming services. Vast server network, strong AES encryption, and a kill switch. Easy to use on all devices. Paid plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Find out more in our ProtonVPN review.

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5. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is another excellent choice for accessing public wifi hotspots safely. Not only does it have automatic connection features, but it also offers RAM-only servers in 105 countries and can beat even the trickiest online restrictions. That’s right: it’s just as comfortable unblocking Disney+ as it is sidestepping China’s Great Firewall. With a freshly revamped interface, higher connection limits than ever before, and 24/7 support over live chat, ExpressVPN is well worth your time.

During my tests, ExpressVPN’s American servers were remarkably consistent, with an average speed of 134.63 Mbps and just under 4 Mbps of fluctuation. I was able to stream live TV broadcasts, play competitive online games, and download large files without any noticeable slowdown. Let’s take a look at those results:

Due to the risks involved with using public wifi hotspots, security is of the utmost importance — and ExpressVPN certainly delivers. It prevents DNS and IPv6 leaks, uses unbreakable encryption, and automatically obfuscates your traffic as needed. There’s also a built-in ad and tracker-blocker, a kill switch, and split tunneling functionality (so you can let certain apps through unencrypted). Best of all, ExpressVPN’s apps, infrastructure, and logging policy have all been independently audited for your peace of mind. You can even pay for this VPN using Bitcoin.

ExpressVPN has apps for Android, iOS, MacOS, Windows, and Linux, plus custom firmware for routers. Its new tiered-pricing system has reduced its monthly price considerably and lets you pick whichever plan best suits your budget and needs.

SECURE AND RELIABLE:ExpressVPN is a highly secure VPN. Perfect for maintaining privacy, streaming, or video calling at public wifi hotspots. This easy-to-use VPN even comes with 24/7 customer support and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full ExpressVPN review.

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6. IPVanish

IPVanish is a high-quality VPN that offers access to 3,200 servers in more than 100 countries worldwide. It’s a natural choice for families thanks to its total lack of connection limits, affordable price point, and beginner-friendly apps. Of course, you’ll also appreciate its strong streaming abilities. I was able to access major platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video without any issues, though support staff are on-hand 24/7 over live chat if you’re having trouble unblocking something specific.

With an average speed of 149.65 Mbps, IPVanish’s performance is extremely competitive. What’s more, my connection was extremely stable, speeds fluctuating by roughly 5 Mbps over a full day of testing. This makes IPVanish ideal for high-bandwidth activities like playing games, torrenting, or taking part in video calls.

One of the things I liked about this service is that it makes it incredibly simple to use public wifi safely. That’s because it can automatically connect whenever you use an unsecured network and reconnect if your connection drops. There’s also a kill switch, an ad and tracker-blocker, and a tool that verifies whether links are safe to open. IPVanish has a proven zero-logs policy, and while it won’t work in countries where the internet is heavily restricted, it’s more than enough for ensuring your privacy on unsafe mobile hotspots or public wifi.

IPVanish apps are available for Windows, MacOS, Android, iOS, and Fire TV. However, manual configuration is required in the case of Linux and routers.

SECURE UNLIMITED DEVICES:IPVanish is ideal for families using public wifi hotspots. Keeps zero traffic logs and uses encryption to secure your data. Annual plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full IPVanish review.

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7. CyberGhost

CyberGhost is one of the most beginner-friendly VPNs on the market right now, boasting streaming-optimized servers, 24/7 customer support, and a network spanning 100+ countries. Its smart rules feature lets you customize your setup by connecting automatically whenever you use unfamiliar networks (such as public hotspots). Users can connect up to seven devices at the same time, and I was a big fan of the app’s streamlined “left to right” connection process.

In my most recent testing, CyberGhost did very well, achieving an average speed of 132.94 Mbps. This makes it suitable for anything you’re likely to want to do via public wifi, whether that’s streaming, gaming, or torrenting. There was minimal variability, too, with speeds only varying by 9 Mbps. Here’s a breakdown of its results:

CyberGhost boasts an expansive set of privacy features, beginning with its unbreakable ChaCha20 encryption and audited no-logging policy. There’s also built-in protection against DNS and IPv6 leaks, as well as malware and online trackers. That should be enough for most users, but if you’re looking for top-tier security, you’ll appreciate its obfuscation, NoSpy servers (which are kept in a high-security data center in Romania), and the ability to connect to a specific location automatically when you open certain apps.

This provider has its own Linux, MacOS, Windows, Android, and iOS apps. CyberGhost’s website has manual setup instructions for routers, too.

EXCELLENT OVERALL SECURITY:CyberGhost keeps you secure when using public networks. Combines a first-class privacy toolkit with exceptional unblocking ability and beginner-friendly apps. There’s even a 45-day money-back guarantee!

Read our full CyberGhost review.

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8. PureVPN

PureVPN has a large network, with 6,500 servers spread across 60+ countries. It’s easy to use and boasts servers specifically designed for accessing platforms like Netflix and BBC iPlayer while traveling abroad. This provider can connect automatically when you launch the app or when you use an untrusted network, making it a strong choice for public wifi too. Users can protect 10 devices at once, and there’s live chat-based support available 24 hours per day.

This VPN is known for its robust performance, but regular retesting is vital since even minor optimizations can have a large impact. PureVPN delivered an average speed of 135.72 Mbps with 9 Mbps of fluctuation, which is well within expected limits. In short, you shouldn’t notice any slowdown or lag when streaming, browsing the web, or downloading large files. Take a look at PureVPN’s full speed test results below:

Any time you use a network you don’t own (such as public hotspots or in-flight wifi), security should be your top concern. PureVPN keeps you safe from snoopers using uncrackable encryption, a kill switch, and protection against IPv6 and DNS leaks. It refuses to keep any logs of your activities and blocks online annoyances like ads and trackers automatically. In my professional opinion, PureVPN provides a good balance between customization and ease of use, making it a great option for anyone interested in remaining anonymous online.

PureVPN apps are available for iOS, Android, Windows, MacOS, and Linux devices. Alternatively, you can follow manual setup instructions to get it running on routers, sidestepping the 10-connection limit (since routers only count as one device).

AFFORDABLE YET SECURE:PureVPN is a low-cost VPN that is perfect for accessing your usual services on vacation. Its robust encryption allows you to use public wifi safely. All plans come with a 31-day money-back guarantee.

Find out more in our PureVPN review.

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9. Private Internet Access

Private Internet Access is a versatile, reliable VPN that’s ideal for everyday usage, whether you’re on public networks or not. It has secure servers in over 90 countries and provides access to stubborn streaming platforms like Netflix US and BBC iPlayer from anywhere in the world. Unlike most other providers, PIA lets you connect any number of devices, making it perfect for sharing with family. There’s also automatic wifi protection and 24/7 support just in case you need help getting set up.

PIA’s tested speeds were a little slower than the previous VPNs. Nevertheless, its average of 80.04 Mbps was still more than fast enough for streaming, making video calls, or any other everyday activities. Most users should be just fine, but if your internet connection is on the slower side to begin with, you might want to consider one of the VPNs above instead.

This service comes packed with advanced privacy features, and most of them are customizable in some way. That’s a power user’s dream but may prove a little intimidating for novices. Your data is kept hidden from hotspot owners thanks to PIA’s encryption, kill switch, leak protection, and an audited no-logs policy. There is an obfuscated protocol too, but unfortunately, this VPN doesn’t work in China.

PIA offers its own MacOS, Amazon Fire TV, Linux, Windows, iOS, and Android apps. You can also manually configure it to work with your router.

SERVERS IN 91+ COUNTRIES:Private Internet Access uses unbreakable encryption to keep your data secure on public wifi hotspots. Consistent connections and unlimited simultaneous connections. 24/7 support. Comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full Private Internet Access review.

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10. PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN has a highly curated network of 200 servers in 63 countries. That might not sound like a lot, but they’re all owned, managed, and hosted in-house, meaning your data never passes through hardware owned by another company. Further, this VPN effortlessly unblocks region-locked platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and ITVX abroad, offers automatic reconnection after an outage, and lets you connect up to 10 devices at the same time. There’s 24/7 support over live chat, too.

Speed-wise, PrivateVPN was the slowest provider in this list, with an overall average of 53.31 Mbps. Bear in mind, however, that this is still fast when compared to the market as a whole. You can get a speed bump by reducing the level of encryption, but I wouldn’t recommend this while using public wifi; your security is more important.

PrivateVPN doesn’t have as many advanced features as some of its rivals, but it does a fantastic job of keeping you safe regardless. Its encryption is currently considered uncrackable and backed up by a kill switch and protection against DNS and IPv6 leaks. This service doesn’t keep any logs of your activities, but I’d rather it prove this with an independent audit. If you’re visiting a country where the internet is heavily censored (or just want a higher degree of privacy), you can activate the Stealth mode — just make sure you’re in the Advanced view, or it won’t show up.

PrivateVPN has Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS apps. Its website provides step-by-step configuration instructions for Linux devices and supported routers.

UNINTERRUPTED STREAMING:PrivateVPN offers secure servers for streaming and video calling. Has user-friendly apps and keeps your connection on public wifi hotspots secure with encryption and a kill switch. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full PrivateVPN review.

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Other ways to stay safe when using public wifi hotspots

Aside from using a VPN, there are a few things you can do to improve your online security when using public wifi hotspots:

1. Double-check the name of the network to which you’re connecting. Using a network with a similar name to a legitimate network is one of the tricks used by hackers.
2. Avoid using public wifi hotspots for tasks that require sensitive information, such as online banking or making purchases with your credit card. The same goes for passwords — you’re better off using a good password manager to be safe.
3. Make sure you connect to websites that use HTTPS and SSL. This makes your connection to the websites much more secure. You can easily see if a website uses HTTPS, as it should display a closed padlock icon at the beginning of the address bar.
4. Stick to secure networks that require a password where possible. Whether this is a cafe or a hotel, this is much safer than connecting to a public wifi hotspot that is completely open and without security.
5. Disable the automatic wifi connection on your phone. Many smartphones automatically connect to nearby wifi networks to ensure you don’t go without internet. You can set your device to ask before connecting to a network.

Using a free VPN for public wifi hotspots

I strongly advise against the use of free VPNs for public wifi hotspots for the following reasons:

• Free VPNs are not secure. Many free VPNs lack encryption, DNS leak protection, and other important security features, such as a kill switch. Without these, your online security isn’t any better than that of a person who isn’t using a VPN. As a result, you’ll be an easy target for hackers, particularly when connected to public wifi hotspots.
• Free VPNs can’t be trusted. Very little is truly free, and this is certainly the case with VPNs that claim to be free of charge. Free VPNs typically make money by logging your data and selling it to the highest bidder. Others make money from ads that may interrupt your browsing and streaming.
• Free VPNs are slow. This can be a frustrating experience when you want to browse, stream, and video call. Due to the fact that many free VPNs have a lot of users and very few servers, the server load becomes too high, and your bandwidth is restricted. This is not the case with the best VPNs for public wifi hotspots in this list.

Why you need a VPN for public wifi hotspots

Whether you’re in your local cafe or a hotel abroad, public wifi networks can be highly convenient. The problem is that public wifi hotspots can also be a threat to your privacy and are something of a hacker’s paradise. Unfortunately, many public wifi hotspots aren’t secure and are used for phishing your private information.

For example, Man in the Middle attacks (MITM) involve hackers positioning themselves between your device and a web server. This allows them to see what you’re doing online, from your IP address to the websites you’re visiting to the content of messages you’re sending. Needless to say, this can be highly detrimental to your privacy. In some cases, this results in the loss of your data and even identity theft.

By using a VPN, you can create a private tunnel between your device and the VPN server. Traffic is encrypted in the process, protecting you from snoopers such as your Internet Service Provider (ISP) or the hotspot provider. The best VPNs for public wifi hotspots offer important security features such as encryption, protection from DNS leaks, and a kill switch. There should also be a strict no-logs policy to protect your privacy.

Additional tips to stay safe on public Wi-Fi

A VPN is a great first step to protecting your connection while using public wifi. However, if you’re planning on accessing potentially sensitive data, you may want to take some additional precautions.

• Run antivirus software – While some top-tier VPNs have built-in malware protection, many don’t. This leaves you open to malware like spyware and trojans. Err on the side of caution and make sure you’re running up-to-date antivirus software while using public wifi.
• Turn on your firewall – A firewall monitors and controls network traffic, acting as a protective barrier between your device and the untrusted internet. Windows and Mac devices have built-in firewalls. It’s turned on by default in a typical Windows installation, and turned off by default in macOS. Make sure yours is active before accessing public wifi.
• Avoid HTTP sites – There are relatively few sites still using the insecure HTTP protocol. As traffic to and from an HTTP site isn’t encrypted, don’t be tempted to override your browser’s warnings if you come across one.
• Turn off network sharing options – Turn off any sharing features that could provide a way into your system. This includes file sharing, screen sharing, internet sharing, remote management, and remote login.
• Take extra caution when using work devices or accessing confidential data – since the lines between work life and private life continue to blur, it’s common for people to log onto work platforms or check company files while on their downtime or away traveling. It’s easy to forget that logging onto the local cafe’s wifi isn’t the same as using the office network. I highly recommend using a VPN and following all the tips above to ensure your company and clients’ data remain secure when you’re working remotely.

VPN for public Wi-Fi: FAQs