Using Public Wi-Fi Safely: HTTPS, DNS Encryption, and When You Need a VPN
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Airport, hotel, and coffee shop Wi-Fi networks are convenient, but open unencrypted networks allow bad actors to inspect connection hostnames and stage DNS redirection attacks.
Quick Answer: HTTPS encrypts website contents and passwords automatically. However, public Wi-Fi operators can still see which domain names you visit. Use a trusted encrypted VPN or enable DNS over HTTPS (DoH) in your browser to prevent DNS spoofing.
Do You Always Need a VPN?
Modern web security has evolved:
- HTTPS Everywhere: Over 95% of web traffic is encrypted with TLS/HTTPS. Passwords and credit card inputs cannot be read by coffee shop network snoops.
- When a VPN is Essential: Connecting to unsecured hotel Wi-Fi that requires captive portal logins, accessing sensitive workplace servers, or protecting unencrypted legacy app protocols.
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