The concept of using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) is not new - but in 2023, there are even more reasons why you need to implement a VPN on your device.
Knowing how to strengthen Wi-Fi security for your personal devices against cyber threats is imperative. VPN technology works by allowing you to secure and anonymize the connection between your devices and the Internet. It creates a secure, encrypted tunnel between your device and the VPN server, so all data passing through is encrypted. This means even if someone manages to access your Wi-Fi network, they still won't be able to read the transmitted data. And to top it all off, your real IP address will be masked, ensuring online anonymity.
Ultimately, a VPN will greatly enhance your online privacy. But what, when, why and who actually needs to use a VPN?
The Importance of Wi-Fi Protection
A VPN is an essential tool as it provides an added layer of security, privacy, and flexibility when a user is active online, ensuring greater Wi-Fi protection. This need for Wi-Fi protection particularly applies to employees who work remotely and may need to access company resources or work on sensitive tasks outside the traditional office environment.
More employees working remotely or adopting a hybrid work model means that there are more networks available, often with less security. However, it’s not just businesses or employees that need a VPN - all consumers should utilize one.
Remote Desktop Security Risks
When employees use a remote desktop to connect to their company's network remotely, they are often accessing sensitive information and resources. A VPN can enable employees to securely connect to their company's private network, such as an intranet or file servers. This allows them to access shared files, databases, or other internal resources necessary for their work.
The VPN ensures that the connection is encrypted and the data remains protected from hackers, ISPs, or eavesdroppers while being transmitted between the employee and the company's network.
Public Wi-Fi Security Risks
Many people who work remotely enjoy utilizing public spaces, such as coffee shops or malls - and may even be traveling for work and using airport Wi-Fi, hotel Wi-Fi, and other international networks once they have reached their destination. Wi-Fi security protocols when using public networks are vital.
If you’ve used a public Wi-Fi network before, you’ve probably received the warning that your network ‘may not be secure’. This is not a disingenuous warning - these public networks are often notoriously unsecured and can expose users to risks like data interception or other malicious activities.
Other significant public Wi-Fi security risks may include:
- Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) Attacks: Intercepting the communication between your device and the public Wi-Fi network to steal sensitive information, be it relating to company confidentiality or personal details.
- Malware distribution: Using public Wi-Fi networks as a platform to distribute malware to unsuspecting users.
- Rogue Access Points: Fake Wi-Fi access points or software that trick users into connecting or using them.
- Packet Sniffing: Capturing your passwords when you log in to websites that don't use encryption.
By using a VPN, the user’s internet traffic is encrypted, making it significantly more difficult for attackers to access their data. And as mentioned above, VPNs also provide the user with online anonymity by hiding their IP address and replacing it with the IP address of the VPN server, making it difficult for hackers to identify their device and target it.
Wi-Fi Protection and Geo-Blocking
If a remote employee or an individual consumer is looking to access resources or websites that are restricted by geographical or network-based limitations, a VPN can help bypass these restrictions. The VPN allows the user to connect to a server in a different location, granting them access to their desired resources as if they were physically present there.
Consumers may choose to use a VPN for more general everyday reasons. For example, VPNs allow consumers to connect to websites, streaming platforms and various services from different countries around the world. Additionally, a user may wish to connect to websites anonymously to protect his / her privacy and prevent online trackers.
Many organizations have specific company policies concerning security and data protection. Remote employees may be required to use a VPN when accessing company resources for compliance reasons. Using a VPN ensures that employees comply with these policies and continue to maintain the required security standards while working remotely.
Best Security for Wi-Fi
Without adequate Wi-Fi protection, your Wi-Fi network can be vulnerable to hacking, malware, and other security threats. Cybercriminals can exploit these vulnerabilities to steal sensitive information, such as passwords, financial information, and other personal data. VPNs built to enterprise standards, like RAV VPN by ReasonLabs, provide the safest and most private Wi-Fi security. RAV VPN uses the most advanced security practices in the industry to protect user privacy and keep them secure while connected to the Internet.
RAV VPN’s real-time protection provides 24/7 defense against unsafe networks and alerts users when suspicious activity is ongoing. All transferred data is encrypted using the latest Wi-Fi security protocols, and ReasonLabs maintains an ironclad no-logs policy so no user activity is ever shared with anyone.
By adjusting the Wi-Fi security settings to successfully hide the user’s IP address and location, RAV VPN makes it difficult for websites, advertisers, and other third parties to track online activities and collect personal data. RAV VPN also allows users to bypass geographic restrictions and censorship to safely access content and mask their online identity to protect their data from being tracked.
How to Improve Wi-Fi Security and Wi-Fi Password Security
Taking the time to improve your Wi-Fi security settings and Wi-Fi password security is essential to protect personal information and sensitive data. The following tips are highly recommended:
- Use a VPN built to enterprise standards, such as ReasonLabs’ RAV VPN, which will encrypt your internet traffic and keep your online activities private.
- If connecting to a public Wi-Fi network, avoid accessing sensitive information such as banking or shopping websites that may prompt you to enter credit card details.
- Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on all your online accounts to enhance your Wi-Fi password security.
- Keep all device software updated and install the latest security patches when available.
For more information on how to strengthen your Wi-Fi security with RAV VPN, visit https://reasonlabs.com/platform/products/vpn.
