Using public WiFi? Beware! Hackers can spy on your iPhone

Cybercriminals are discovering new ways to steal our data, even on iPhones and one of the shocking ways is via public Wi-Fi. Connecting an iPhone to a public wifi might land you into trouble as this can expose your data. They lack adequate security measures and encryption needed to protect a smartphone user's data. In some of the cases, public Wi-Fi has even been set up by hackers themselves to trap potential victims.

There are a number of methods to target a smartphone user over public Wi-Fi.

Hackers usually opt two ways - first 'man-in-the-middle' (MITM) attack, and the other is a 'packet sniffing' attack. In an MITM attack, a malicious third-party intercepts communications between two participants to steal data while in a 'packet sniffing' attack, a hacker acquires airborne information accessed via Wi-Fi.

Hackers can steal your important data right from email login, bank details, personal photos and videos, to home address. However you can avoid the situation and protect your phone from being exposed to hackers by using a VPN.

Here’s how you can protect yourself while using free, public Wi-Fi, using a VPN.

What is a VPN?

VPN- a virtual private network (VPN) provides a private network across a public network, enabling users to safely access the internet to share and receive data without being exposed to the prying eyes of malicious third parties.

A VPN network works by scrambling the user's personal information and hence, it can't be read by hackers without the correct decryption key.

Having a VPN app on your iPhone will protect your data from any and all Wi-Fi networks that your phone connects to. However there are several VPN service providers out there making it difficult for iPhone users to pick the right one. Here’s how you can select the right VPN for you.

How to select the right VPN for iPhone?

While choosing a VPN you must keep some important factors in your mind. Always look for strong encryption, ample security features, and good customer support to select the right VPN for your iPhone.

Also, always pay attention to a well-known or obscure VPN, as that could determine the type of service they will provide.