Should I invest in a VPN if I'm using public WIFI a lot?

VPN
1

I go to my local library 5 times a week and use their WIFI while I draw and work on homework and stuff. I make sure never to log in to my bank or email unless I’m at home. When I’m there, I just use Youtube and Google. I don’t particularly care if someone can see what I’m googling as its all innocuous but I was wondering if it would still be worth me investing in a VPN for security purposes? Is it worth the money if I’m just watching videos and browsing news articles?

2

Yes. 100% yes.

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  1. All data is now or will soon be kept indefinitely.
  2. All data will eventually be used for something other than the original intended purpose.
3

It’s Definitely a good and safe idea. Never underestimate your footprint on the web. When you start paying attention to cookies, privacy and IP you realize how much you leave behind.
But back to the library. You need to play smart because it’s not garanteed your library will let you use any vpn, so be ready to chain free vpn trials.

4

I would use a good VPN while using a public Wi-Fi for my own peace of mind.

5

If you’re technically capable you could setup a VPN server at your own home. That’s what I do, though it’s rarely for privacy, but rather so I can get around some blocks that public Wi-Fi has like /u/reaction_mass mentions,

6

Probably more important to make sure that your devices and all their software are up to date and patched.

Then I would worry about people looking over your shoulder.

Then I would worry about whether I should use extra security measures like a VPN or encrypted DNS.

What I would do is at least ensure that your browser is blocking unencrypted connections

7

Public WiFi is safer than it used to be ever since most traffic defaults to https rather than http. This eliminates sniffing packets for plain text passwords, but you could easily fall victim to DNS spoofing.

Example: You type in Google.com, DNS attack routes you to a fake version of Google. You submit your username and password and now your account is hijacked.

Its still not a bad idea to use a VPN.

8

If thats the case then am I just worrying about nothing using the library wifi?

9

for this just use alternatives

10

Its not password protected, but is that still fine so long as I don’t visit potentially sensitive sites?

11

lol depends - used to be that open wifi can expose your whole filesystem, regardless of internet