The reason that the public loves WiFi hotspots is the same reason that eavesdropping hackers love them too: no authentication. Without requiring authentication to establish a network connection, a hacker can easily get access to any unsecured devices using the same network.

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In short, the hacker works it out so that your information is sent directly to them. They then pass the information on — it doesn’t head to the original connection point.

What Information Can a Hacker Steal?
It turns out that a hacker can access a wealth of information over free, unsecured public WiFi.  You are potentially sharing with an eavesdropper your passwords, emails, texts, credit card information, and whatever you are doing over the free internet hotspot.

All of the information you send can then be used by a hacker whenever they want to use it. It could be that moment or it could be weeks later. He or she can then access whatever systems or programs you were using and pretend to be you.

What’s worse, these unsecured networks can be used to send malware your way. If you are allowing file-sharing over the network, your computer can easily become infected. In fact, some hackers are even making the hotspot itself a piece of malware. These attacks typically offer an upgrade to some sort of popular software, but when you click the window, malware will be installed.

How To Prevent Eavesdropping
You don’t have to skip the public WiFi — just be smart about using it. Try to connect to public networks that have good passwords instead of unsecured WiFi, and don’t browse through sensitive accounts like your online bank account while connected. If you don’t need WiFi, don’t automatically connect to it.

Finally, install PSafe TOTAL Windows on your computer and PSafe TOTAL on your Android smartphone to keep your devices safe from malware and viruses. Don’t access unsecured WiFi without them.

ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN has excellent stealth services for private networks, but it is a little pricey at $8.32/month. ExpressVPN is incredibly secure with no usage logs, with the exception of some minor connection logs. With servers in over 75 countries, the program offers connection across the globe. There is also a 30-day money back guarantee if you are displeased with the services provided to you.

Read More: How to Ensure That You Remain Anonymous Online

Buffered
Buffered offers protection similar to that of ExpressVPN. While it maintains the same security level as ExpressVPN, it only works in 16 countries, so its usage is much more confined to certain areas. Buffered also has a pretty high price, at $8.25/month. Buffered’s unique feature is called the “port discovery.” This allows you to surpass login requirements whenever you are using public Wi-Fi.

IPVanish
IPVanish provides secure VPN services at an extremely competitive price ($6.49/month). This company is unique because they accept bitcoin as a form of currency. Like the other two services, IPVanish keeps no logs. Although it has a basic interface, the security and price are two reasons alone to download IPVanish. The simplicity of the program is also friendly to novice users who are not familiar with Virtual Private Networking systems. While the other two services provide a 30-day money back guarantee, IPVanish only provides a one-week money back guarantee.

VPNArena
VPNArena is a VPN service that keeps no logs and has excellent encryption services. As a result, many consider VPNArena to be the one of the most secure systems among VPN servers. This company offers a free 7 day trial, and you are allowed to connect up to five devices to the network. This network is also the most affordable of the ones listed, as it only costs $4.92/month.