PureVPN Warns About the Grave Dangers of Using Public Wi-Fi without a VPN

PureVPN – the only VPN provider with more than 7,000 reviews on Trustpilot and a stellar rating of 9.5 – regularly voices its concerns about internet users not being careful enough on public Wi-Fi hotspots. The VPN provider also initiated private surveys to gather answers via the live chat feature on its website. The majority of responses received painted an extremely alarming picture: people will carelessly connect to any public Wi-Fi hotspot without giving it a second thought as long as the signal was good and the connection was free.

While the VPN provider regularly writes about this issue on its blog to raise awareness and urge internet users to be more cautious, many independent studies have also confirmed the plethora of threats associated with being careless while using public Wi-Fi.

Key Findings of PureVPN’s Survey

The survey’s findings can be summarized as:

• Most internet users find a strong, free Wi-Fi signal a blessing.
• Access to public Wi-Fi is a must even while travelling.
• Some people won’t even bother to request the owner of the Wi-Fi for access. They will try to guess or crack the password.
• Almost 55% of users were willing to share their data just to get free access.
• 71% had no qualms about using a hotel’s Wi-Fi while travelling.
• 43% agreed to connect to the Wi-Fi of cafés, bars, restaurants, etc.
• 43% will use the airline’s Wi-Fi without thinking twice

Major Misconceptions about Using Public Wi-Fi

The same survey also discovered some troubling misconception people have while using a public Wi-Fi hotspot, which includes but is not limited to:

• 60% felt that their data is safe
• 53% weren’t able to differentiate between a secure and unsecure public Wi-Fi
• 75% don’t even bother to use a VPN while using public Wi-Fi hotspots. Interestingly enough, the same respondents of the survey also said that:
• 48% felt horrified about their financial information being hacked
• 38% did not like the thought of their personal photos in the hands of an unauthorized person
• 36% were worried about their kids’ data being available to someone else
• 21% feared their private chats or messages going public

The survey paints a clear picture of how people just look for a free Wi-Fi when not at home or office, even at the cost of their own data, photos, financial details and family information. The survey also shows that we still have to go a long way when it comes to giving our data security and online privacy the importance it deserves.

The Solution

Even though there is enough evidence to declare that  VPNs are the best security bet for public Wi-Fi security, users still put their data and privacy in harm’s way, willingly, just to get free access to the internet. This carelessness not only causes financial loss, but also damages the social reputation of victims in the form of risqué images splattered across the internet.

Public Wi-Fi hotspots are fast becoming baits to lure in unsuspecting users. They only way to break free from them is to practice caution and using a VPN every time anybody goes online.

About PureVPN

PureVPN is a leading VPN service that was established with the aim of providing users with complete internet freedom. Founded back in 2007, it boasts 6,500+ servers in 180 locations worldwide and has an ever-growing community of over three million users. The Hong Kong-based VPN provider offers an extensive set of streaming-centric features, accessible through its dedicated apps, and enjoys a stellar reputation of being one of the fastest VPNs in the market.