Free public WiFi is awesome but is it safe?
What Is A VPN?
VPN stands for “virtual private network” – a service that protects your internet connection and privacy online. It creates an encrypted tunnel for your data, protects your online identity by hiding your IP address, and allows you to use public Wi-Fi hotspots safely.
Do you use public Wi-Fi regularly?
VPN is your best friend when using free public WiFi. Hackers have many methods to steal your data on public hotspots, but using a VPN public WiFi means that you can stop worrying about that. With a secure VPN public WiFi security, you can browse online in full privacy.
How does a VPN work?
When you connect to a virtual private network service, it creates an encrypted “tunnel” over the internet. That secures the data traveling between you and your destination — anything from a search engine to an online banking account.
Create your tunnel and hide your IP address by clicking the banner here!
This tunnel is created by first authenticating your client with a VPN server. The server then applies an encryption protocol to all data you send and receive.
To ensure each data packet stays secure, a VPN wraps it in an outer packet, which is then encrypted through encapsulation. It keeps the data safe during transfer, and it is the core element of the VPN tunnel. When the data arrives at the server, the outer packet is removed through a decryption process.
Setting up a VPN connection.
While more and more Internet users join the VPN protection trend, many people still believe that using a VPN service is somewhat close to rocket science. While it’s true that some digital security tools can be confusing, top VPN service providers design their apps to be intuitive and easy-to-use.
Nord VPN does the rocket science for you!
This means that with NordVPN, you can start a VPN connection with just one click. Once you set up your NordVPN account and download an app for your device, all you have to do is:
- Open NordVPN — Launch the NordVPN app you have downloaded on your PC, Mac, or smartphone.
- Log in — Use the same login credentials you used to sign up for the NordVPN service.
- Connect — Click the Quick Connect button, which will automatically select the most suitable server for you. Don’t like it? Pick a new location from the map.
That’s it — you can now enjoy a fully encrypted VPN connection! To have more control over your VPN experience, you can explore the server map/list in the Settings section.
Security you don’t have to think about.
- Just hit the Quick Connect button, and the fastest server will be picked for you.
- If your connection drops, Kill Switch will disable the internet to protect your private data.
- Make the NordVPN app connect to a server automatically whenever you join a Wi-Fi network.
On any device. At home and on the go.
- NordVPN works on all major platforms, and all your favorite gadgets.
- A single account lets you connect up to 6 devices at the same time. Protect them all, in any combination.
- Need even more? Set up NordVPN on your wireless router.
Sign up now!
20 VPN features that come with NordVPN.
Secure Internet:
Your device (computer, smartphone, tablet, etc.) initiates a connection to a VPN server. Once the device is authenticated, NordVPN creates an encrypted tunnel.
Any data sent over the internet needs to be split into packets. So your private data is split, encapsulated, and passed through the encrypted VPN tunnel. When the data arrives at the VPN server, the outer packet is removed to access the data through decryption.
Your encrypted data looks like gibberish to any third-party observer:
- Neither ISPs nor hackers can read it, even if they manage to intercept it.
- No government can get logs of your browsing history since there are none.
- Connected to a VPN server, you browse the internet in the cover of it’s IP address and location. With every new connection, your online identity switches to a new IP address, hiding you under a new cloak of encryption.
Ultra-fast Connection: 
The fastest VPN is the one that constantly upgrades its server network, invests in software architecture, and keeps up a robust infrastructure. In these respects, NordVPN is second to none.
On top of that, Nord has increased the computing load of its servers, which significantly boosted the speed of the service. This is an entirely new technological solution made possible by the fact that NordVPN boasts one of the most powerful VPN infrastructures in the world.
Strict No-log Policy:
Nord does not store connection timestamps, session information, used bandwidth, traffic data, IP addresses, or other data. Nothing to store – nothing to share with anyone.
Uninterrupted Streaming:
Don’t you just hate it when your video starts buffering out of nowhere, or worse – takes ages to load? If you have been there, you know that bandwidth throttling can ruin your streaming big time unless you have a VPN.
It will protect your online communications from unwanted snoopers, including your ISP, and will give you a fast experience when streaming or downloading media content. Anytime, anywhere, on any device.
Privacy On The Go: 
Mobile devices are all about greater connectivity. They let you check email, stream YouTube, scroll social media, play video games, or shop online on the go. That’s why using NordVPN on your smartphone is just as important as securing your personal laptop or work computer.
In fact, smartphone VPN may be even more necessary, considering that you share your private and sensitive data through unprotected public Wi-Fi at airports, coffee shops, libraries, or hotels.
Servers Everywhere:
- Connect to any server — It takes only a single click or tap to go truly private online. Just hit the Quick Connect button, and the app will connect you to the best VPN server for you at the moment.
- Connect to any country — U.S., France, Canada, United Kingdom? Changing your IP address to another country couldn’t be easier, just tap on a country pin on the map or scroll down the NordVPN server list to choose your encrypted destination.
- Connect to specialty servers — Double VPN, Onion Over VPN, Obfuscated, P2P servers — you can find them all under the Specialty Servers section. Simply pick a category and get connected to the best server for your needs. Easy!
Multiple Devices:
One NordVPN account will cover 6 devices at once, providing you 6 times the protection. Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux – it doesn’t matter which operating system you use, NordVPN will hide your location, IP address, and encrypt the traffic.
Moreover, if you connect NordVPN to your router, it will secure every device on your network, using up only a single space out of the 6 available.
So, how many devices does a single NordVPN account secure? All of them. And that’s really important.
We live in a world of devices, but every new internet-capable gadget brings new risks. Hackers look for weaknesses. If you use a VPN on your computer but leave your phone unprotected, it’s as if you have a sign on your lawn that says, “I do not lock the patio door.” A VPN for multiple devices is a must.
Protect Data: 
The VPN Kill Switch continuously monitors your connection to the VPN server. If the connection accidentally drops, the Kill Switch blocks your device (or the apps you have specified) from accessing the web.
NordVPN encrypts your internet traffic and routes it through a VPN tunnel, hiding your IP address, and shielding your private data from third parties. But the Kill Switch is the last line of your defense, which secures your private data from accidental exposure.
Your connection to the internet stays blocked until the VPN tunnel is restored or you disable the Kill Switch.
Personal IP:
To prevent unwarranted access to sensitive systems, administrators may specify a list of authorized IP addresses. This way, you can log in to a system only if your IP matches one on the whitelist. A dedicated IP address is an ideal solution for accessing corporate remote access systems or private servers securely.
Mask IP:
The safest and fastest way to hide your IP and replace it with a new one is by using a VPN. A reputable provider will not only give you a new IP address but also encrypt all the data you send and receive. Besides, connecting through a VPN will slow your internet connection significantly less than other methods.
P2P Welcome:
P2P stands for Peer-to-Peer networking. It is one of the fastest and most convenient ways to share files with large groups of people.
Normally, each user would download a file from one server or a network of servers. With P2P, each downloader also becomes an uploader, making the process of file sharing much more efficient.
2X Protection: 
Double VPN is an advanced VPN security feature that routes your traffic through two VPN servers instead of one, encrypting your data twice.
Now with Double VPN, your online activity hides behind two servers instead of one, which is known as VPN server chaining.
Onion Over VPN:
Your internet service provider can see that you use Onion – though not what for. NordVPN shields you from all third parties and does not track your online activity – roam the internet in absolute privacy.
Block Malware & Ads:
NordVPN CyberSec is an advanced technology solution that takes your security and privacy to the next level. It blocks websites known for hosting malware or phishing scams, making you safer from online threats. Besides, it takes care of annoying flashy ads, which speeds up your browsing experience.
Due to Google’s policies, CyberSec does not block ads in the NordVPN app for Android downloaded from the Google Play Store. It does, however, keep protecting you from accessing malicious sites.
Browser Extensions:
NordVPN extensions for Chrome and Firefox encrypt your traffic. So even if the websites you visit are not secure, you are.
Data Leak Tested: 
A DNS leak is a security flaw that allows your queries to travel to the default DNS servers, which belong to your internet service provider (ISP).
When you connect to NordVPN, your device only uses DNS servers operated by NordVPN. All your DNS queries travel over the encrypted tunnel and are resolved on the same VPN server you are connected to.
World Wide Access:
SmartPlay is a NordVPN feature that helps you securely access the content that would otherwise be unavailable. Best of all, it does it in a way that you never even have to think about it. It’s implemented in our apps seamlessly, so there’s nothing to set up, update, or activate.
24/7 Support:
There are three main ways to get the answers you are looking for: Help Center, email support, and live chat. Available 24/7!
Safe:
Let’s start with the basics of how encryption works. To put it simply, it creates a secure ‘tunnel’ that connects your computer to the internet through a remote server. The ‘tunnel’ is protected with something called Advanced Encryption Standard, or AES-256, one of the best encryption algorithms. What makes it so great? For one, it’s used to defend several government organizations around the world and is highly recommended by several cybersec experts.
Easy:
No time to look for the most suitable server? NordVPN created a top-notch algorithm to help you connect to the best available VPN server in seconds. Just click the Quick Connect button and get protected immediately by our easy VPN. PC, smartphone, or tablet – secure any device with just a click.
Now that you know.
Why would you not use a VPN? Nord VPN is one of the best in the world. There are others out there but for the cost and reliability, I feel this is the best on the market! You can click on any of the banners in this article to start our account now! If you click the banner here you can get a 68% discount on a two-year plan. It will not only protect your privacy but your hardware too!
Thanks,
Chad
I feel that there is no such thing as privacy online anymore. I think all of us started to see that the big corps are getting a lot of information from your searching behavior (ahem, google). However, I think that we should not make it easier for the identity theft hackers as well so having a VPN is a must have nowadays.
I guess that Friedman is right, there is no such thing as a free lunch, hence the free wifi, it appears that it is free but there seems to be a price to pay. Thanks for your review on Nord VPN. I am going to check there service out since I see that they provide such an amazing service.
Hi Nuttanee,
When you do, take notice while on there site they let you know your IP address at the top of the page. If you were visiting with a VPN, they would not be able to do that. It would be the server you are encrypted through.
Makes it hard to get to your personal information from the other side.
That is security!
Thanks,
Chad
wow, i found this very interesting and i just learnt something new as well. I had a friend whose device got hacked and didnt know where the loop hole was. after reading this, i just figured that it was because he was not using a vpn and he was using a public hotspot. thanks for this awareness
Hey there Collins,
I think there are a lot of people who don’t realize the risk involved just by surfing the web. Then there are those who take advantage of that. This really is a must have if you use any personal information online.
Tell your friend too! It is very affordable for the security it provides!
Thanks,
Chad
WOW!!! I would never have guessed that a seemingly normal activity like using public WiFi could have such disastrous effects. This article has truly enlightening me about the benefits of having a VPN and what I should look for when selecting the right one.
Based on your insight it really seems like NORD VPN is the way to go. While I am by no means tech savvy you surely made it easy for me to understand the terminology and necessity of having VPN on my devices. Like most other people, my phone stores tons of valuable information that I cannot afford to have compromised or lost.
Thanks for helping me protect what’s dear to me. I will definitely be looking into this system
Hello Roberta,
It truly is worth what they charge. It is hard to identify what or when it saves you because it will stop hackers and never be noticed.
I was introduced to NordVPN through work. I was issued a laptop to conduct business with and would have to log in to their VPN to connect to the server. The company I worked for had hundreds of thousands of dollars in assets on their server. If they used it to protect that kind of information, why wouldn’t I use it to protect mine?
After looking into it, I felt it was affordable, and made the most sense of anything I have done online for personal security.
They will let you connect up to 6 devices on one account. If one of those is your router at home, it will protect whatever is connected to that WiFi too.
This is no scam, it really works!
Chad
I don’t understand much about how the internet works (I just know that it does…) so that’s probably all the more reason for me to get this! Just a couple of questions…will this protect my email and social media accounts from being hacked? And is there anything I have to do to make this NordVPN work? Put in code or anything? Or will it load automatically when I create an account and pay for it?
Hello Cynthia,
You are indeed in need of security while surfing the web! If you use social media, online banking, or any personal information Nord VPN will keep you safe.
When you subscribe you will get an account key to activate your account. oNce you have done this you can use the VPN on multiple devices. There is even a mobile app for your phones. If you activate this on your router at home it protects every device that is connected through it.
There is a little installation process once you sign up. They will lead you through it every step of the way. No need for writing code or anything like that. It is made to be user friendly.
I recommend this to anyone who uses the internet to protect their personal information.
Hope this answers your questions!
Chad
Hello there, Chad! Oh wow, I did not know about this side of internet security. It is crazy how hackers can just find ways to slip through cracks in the virtual world and steal data without users knowing. So the VPN itself is not so much the internet service? But more like an app that goes with your internet service (or the free wifi) and device, and then offers security protection? Just wanted to make sure. Thank you for this informative post.
Mike,
You are correct. A VPN is not the internet itself, it is how the information is transported through the internet. It is separate and installed on up to 6 devices with this certain plan. You can put it on your mobile devices and have it where ever you go. The cool thing is you can install it on your router at home and it will protect whatever device is hooked to your WiFi.
In a nutshell, once operating whatever you send through a protected device gets scrambled beyond belief, transmitted, and unscrambled when received by the intended recipient. Even if the information was stolen, it would be gibberish to them.
Works really well!
Thanks for these questions, this helps others to better understand how this works and why I recommend it!
Chad
Haha thanks for the article my guy! To be honest with you, I actually found this article really helpful! I surf the web constantly, and I never know when I’m safe or not. It’s nice to know that I can use VPNs like NordVPN to help protect me while im surfing the web. I’ll have to check it out!
Jongabriel,
Man, I can’t begin to imagine the number of people online these days that do not realize the importance of this. I think people become falsely secure with how things are just thrown around the internet and think it is ok. There are those out there that take advantage of this and no one is aware until it happens to them.
Identity theft is real and it can ruin you. NordVPN is a top-notch service that really makes it safe to transfer information online.
This service is one of my favorites to promote because it can help so many people in ways they may or may not understand.
Surf Safe my friend!
Chad
I feel that there is no such thing as privacy online anymore compared to the previous times. on the other hand i found this very interesting and i just learnt something new as well.
would never have guessed that a seemingly normal activity like using public WiFi could have such disastrous effects.Based on your insight it really seems like NORD VPN is the way to go
Hi Stephen,
You are not alone in not being aware of the risk involved when logging into a free/public WiFi. You may have heard of others’ experiences or another advertisement of identity theft. This is where it happens!
Nord VPN is top of the line and is very affordable for the service they provide!
Thanks, I hope this helps!
Chad
After realising I wanted to protect my privacy online, I carried out a little research and came across your article. Your article explains the benefits of a VPN really well. It has helped me compare VPN services and its easy to see Nord VPN is way ahead of the rest. Thanks for the clear and concise information. Everything else I read was full of jargon and made it difficult to understand the benefits.
Hello Nikki,
It is true there are some other VPN providers out there. A lot of them are geared toward the larger business clients and try to make their service available to the masses and as you said, makes it hard to personalize the benefits to suit the needs of an individual or family.
Nord VPN has the ability to provide services for a multimillion-dollar company while still focusing on the requirements of the individual. If you look at the advantages of installing this program in your home and how it protects anything hooked to your personal WiFi along with having it on up to 5 other devices protecting you where ever you go. You can not beat their service for the cost!
This means that with NordVPN, you can start a VPN connection with just one click. Once you set up your NordVPN account and download an app for your device, all you have to do is:
Open NordVPN — Launch the NordVPN app you have downloaded on your PC, Mac, or smartphone.Log in — Use the same login credentials you used to sign up for the NordVPN service.Connect — Click the Quick Connect button, which will automatically select the most suitable server for you. Don’t like it? Pick a new location from the map.
That’s it — you can now enjoy a fully encrypted VPN connection! To have more control over your VPN experience, you can explore the server map/list in the Settings section.
For a limited time, If you click the link above you can get a 2-year plan for $3.71/month. That is a 68% Discount!
Just click the blue letters above and start surfing safely!
Thanks,
Chad
I didn’t think about this bikdy at all. I always connect to public wifi and it never occurred to me that someone might steal my data. I was very excited about this post. Recently, my mother-in-law was hacked into a bank account, where he ordered things in the hundreds of dollars through her name. Your post is very beneficial, now I will not worry that someone would misuse my data. Thank you.
Hi Tessa,
I am so sorry for your mother-in-law. At least you have learned from someone else’s experience that I am not making this up. It happens all the time. Nord VPN can prevent this from happening to anyone who signs up for $3.71/ Month if they get in on this temporary deal! Get your 67% discount by clicking this link!
I hope you are surfing safely now!
Chad
Do you ever see in the future when VPN will come stock with buying a computer or smartphone? Instead of something you have to purchase separately because I wish it would just come preinstalled on my devices. Would you recommend changing your browser after having VPN, as some browsers protect your identity more than others like google? Or is this unnecessary?
Hey Dan,
I can’t say that data encryption won’t ever come with devices when purchased but in order to do so the manufacturer would wither have to have their own servers or partner with a company that provides this service to do so. I would say, either way, you would have to pay for it one way or another.
Some browsers are more secure than others but that is mostly due to bot programs that identify spam and unsecured sites. To my knowledge, none of them actually scramble your data for decoding at the point of receiving.
If a site is secure, it is due to the server that is hosting the site. Even then they usually are not concerned about the safety of your info coming in, it is the info on the site they are protecting that makes it secure.
Having said that, with Nord VPN installed on your devices, it really doesn’t matter which browser you use because your data is processed through their servers that are all over the world.
If you do this now, they are offering a limited-time discount on a two-year contract of 68%. You can get that by clicking this link!
It really is a great deal! It equates to $3.71/mo. That is cheap to make sure your identity is not hacked!
Thanks,
Chad
This is an awesome article about VPN’s. I really didn’t know anything about them and yes, considered them too high tech for me. My husband has always used one and I just thought he was being a bit ott but now I understand how great they are. I felt that Nord has covered all the important issues, such as being on all your computer, mobile, and tablet needs.
Everyone needs a VPN and I’m heading off to sign up. Thanks so much.
I hope you have Mrs. Lily!
If you use any public WiFi it is the safest thing you can do! This will shut down the possibility for anyone to hack your personal information.
Good luck to you and yours!
Chad
This article Are You Surfing Safely? is really useful and valuable with all the information you have provided.
I’ve already heard about VPN, and I’ve been told that it’s a smart move, but I haven’t been able to take a closer look at what exactly it is and what it’s good for. I received the full explanation and all the answers in your article. Thanks!
Now, I am also convinced that the vast majority of Internet users will soon install the VPN option. Nord VPN really looks like a quality provider.
I wish you all the best
Nina
Hi Nina,
I am certain that VPN has saved so many people and they are probably not even aware it happened. The main thing is they have purchased and installed it on their devices.
all I can say is if you do not have a VPN service, please find a link on this site for Nord VPN and purchase a package. If you do the two-year plan you can save 67%. It only costs $3.71/ month. Doing this could save your identity (including your bank account).
The answers to your questions are here, there is only one thing from doing this, is a click away.
Thanks,
Chad
I have been telling the grandkids for years not to use public wifi. Even my sister and niece still do. The amount of programmes there have been on TV showing how easy it is for hackers to get all your information and still people don’t listen.
VPN’s are good in that respect.
The more information that gets out there and the harder it makes it for the hackers the better.
Good post, very informative, thank you.
Hi Linda,
Nord VPN is a great tool. The beauty of it is, if you were to spend the $3.71/mo to protect your device, you can add up to 5 devices. You could help protect your grandkids on your account for nothing extra.
Nord VPN works anywhere in the world that has WiFi. It is safe and affordable.
Thanks,
Chad