11 Essential Cybersecurity Tips to Protect Your Digital Life in 2025

10. Be Cautious with Public Wi-Fi and Use a VPN

Free Wi-Fi can be a lifesaver at the airport or coffee shop, but it’s also a playground for data thieves. Treat any public network like it’s swarming with eavesdroppers—never log in to banking, health, or sensitive work accounts without protection. VPN apps (virtual private networks) are your privacy cloak; they encrypt your connection and keep snoopers at bay. Most trustworthy VPNs can be set to auto-activate when you connect to unknown networks, which means you barely have to think about it. Be selective—stick to VPN services trusted and reviewed by experts, not just the cheapest or “lifetime deal” you see. Public Wi-Fi is great for streaming a podcast or checking sports scores, but keep anything private under wraps until you’re back on a secure network.