Here’s How You can Get Free Wi-Fi Anywhere

Digital World Tips and Tricks 2018-08-30 06:15:56 - by Rachel Lee

We’ve all experienced the need for Wi-Fi but failed to find one when we needed it the most (I've had plenty of these situations). And while sometimes it feels like nothing’s free anymore, it may come as a surprise that Wi-Fi can still be accessed freely pretty much anywhere, though rare as it may be. The thing is – you have to know where to look.

But don’t get too excited just yet, because jumping at every unsecured public network can make you a target for hackers and cyber-criminals. In this post, we share some techniques for getting free access to Wi-Fi networks while ensuring security.

Living in the modern day without a reliable internet connection is impossible. We study online, conduct home-based business using computers, and amuse ourselves by watching our favorite TV episodes and films on streaming sites. Every day, having reliable Wi-Fi is essential.

What happens then when you're not at home and away from Wi-Fi? Or what if your home internet wasn't always that quick? Find out how to get free wi-fi anywhere.

Getting Free W-Fi Anywhere

If you haven’t noticed yet, there’s an available app for practically anything you need, so it shouldn’t be a surprise to find apps that let you access free Wi-Fi anywhere. Here are a few recommendations that you can check:

Wi-Fi Map

This is one of the more popular apps that lets you access free Wi-Fi. What makes it such a helpful app is its feature that lets you check a map with over 100 million Wi-Fi hotspots which contain login credentials. Since the app's current version is crowd-sourced, most networks have been checked and verified. However, this does not mean they’re entirely safe and secure, as bad members could list several hotspots.

Tip: Check community reviews and feedback on which network/s are more preferred before establishing a connection.

Free Zone

Another similar app to Wi-Fi Map is Free Zone. The app has a vast network of free Wi-Fi listings worldwide. However, the app is only available to Android users at the moment. Unlike Wi-Fi Map, Free Zone doesn’t give users login credentials. However, it automatically connects your mobile device to a Wi-Fi network listed on the app. And while this may seem convenient, this also poses a risk of auto-connecting to a potentially malicious network. Therefore, it’s best first to consider the consequences of turning on the auto-connect feature of the app before you take advantage of this service.

Instabridge

This is another crowd-sourced app that provides a map with over a million free public Wi-Fi networks you can connect to. It provides both login credentials and an auto-connect feature. This means that whenever your mobile device gets within an active Wi-Fi range, you automatically get free access to a nearby network. And as mentioned above, there is the risk of being targeted by hackers when you pick up an enlisted malicious hotspot. For a safety measure, it’s best to disable the auto-connect feature of the app.

WiFox

This app differs from the abovementioned because it almost exclusively applies to airport regulars. WiFox offers an extensive listing of airport and lounge Wi-Fi hotspots all over the world. The app also provides login credentials for users. With the app’s regularly updated database and its availability for offline use, it’s definitely something any frequent flyer should not miss out on.

Why Connecting to a Public Wi-Fi is Risky

Let’s face it. Free public Wi-Fi is one of the few things that any individual could pass on as this can prove to be a very useful thing when dealing with all sorts of problems anyone could encounter anywhere. However, it’s crucial to remember that you are most likely the product when something is free.

And while connecting to a public Wi-Fi network does not require authentication and authorization, it’s common to encounter captive portals requesting you to agree with their Terms of Service or to ask for a password from someone. However, this is not surprising since most public Wi-Fi hotspots are only set up for convenience and have nothing to do with security.

Given this fact, users should always think twice before connecting to any public Wi-Fi network. Connecting to an unsecured Wi-Fi hotspot could compromise your activities and data that you wouldn’t normally share with anyone close to you, even more in public.

What Can you Do to Secure your public Wi-Fi Connection?

Now that we’ve already touched on the dangers of connecting to a public Wi-Fi and some of the best ways to get free connectivity, it’s also important to learn how to secure your connectivity. Here’s how:

Enable your Internet Firewall

By enabling your internet firewall, your device can block out any intruder which may attempt to access your system. While this may seem like a very basic tip, enabling your firewall can prove to be very effective against cyber-attacks.

Turn off Public Network Sharing

With the many security vulnerabilities which you may encounter in public Wi-Fi networks, it’s important to look ahead at the possibility of a security breach should you fail to turn off public network sharing. Once a hacker finds an opening, he can easily do as he pleases with the information stored on your computer or device.

Use a VPN (Buy VPN)

VPNs are the most secure and safest way to protect your Wi-Fi connectivity, be it at home or in public. As your connections become fully encrypted with a VPN, not only do your devices transmit data anonymously online, but you also eliminate any openings from your end which hackers and other malicious entities may exploit for their gain.

And while most VPNs, such as VPN Surf, are subscription-based services, you will definitely get the value for your money as these not only offer security and accessibility features, but you also get to enjoy extra perks to ensure optimal internet experience.

Conclusion

While free WiFi may be enticing, knowing the security risks associated with connecting to unknown networks is critical. There are, however, several legitimate ways to find free WiFi. Furthermore, many cities now provide free WiFi hotspots in public places such as parks and city centers. Using the options mentioned in the blog, you can stay connected without danger and exercise caution when connecting to public WiFi networks. When using the internet, please prioritize your safety and privacy and be aware of the risks of using unsecured networks.