Travels, Cafes, & Coffee: Staying Secure When You Browse in Public Spaces 

You open your laptop in a cozy café by the river, connect to the free Wi-Fi, sip your espresso, and start browsing online. Everything might feel safe, but there is a real risk that a cybercriminal is attempting to intercept your valuable data. Public Wi-Fi is convenient, but it carries a significant risk in 2025. This post will show you how you can stay secure when browsing in public spaces online. 


Why Public Wi-Fi Isn’t Always Friendly

Public Wi-Fi is available in many places, but often it is not secured, which means it is easy for cybercriminals to exploit. Criminals can use man-in-the-middle attacks, eavesdrop on traffic, and set up “evil twin” networks to cause significant real-world damage. Statistics show that nearly 4 in 10 surveyed adults in the US encountered private data compromise from using public Wi-Fi, which reveals just how prevalent these attacks are. 


Tools of the Trade: Security Essentials for the Cafe Hopper

While you certainly need to be aware of the dangers of public Wi-Fi and the prevalence of cybercrime, you do not need to avoid going to cafes altogether. There are a few basic best practices to follow that will help you enhance security:

  • Use strong, random passwords stored in a password manager

  • Keep your browser and operating system up to date

  • Make sure websites have an HTTPS padlock before entering sensitive info

In addition to the above, you should also utilize a VPN Chrome extension. This will encrypt your browser traffic, which creates a secure connection between your device and the internet. This allows you to protect your sensitive information even when using a questionable network. 


Choosing the Right VPN Extension

A VPN is a smart addition to your security toolkit, but not all VPNs are created equal. Here are a few of the features you need to look for:

  • No logs policy

  • Strong reputation and positive reviews

  • Encryption strength (AES-256 or equivalent is the industry standard)

  • Speed and stability for smooth streaming, calls, etc.

There are free VPNs out there, but you should be cautious of these as they often have weak security and/or collect a lot of personal data. 


Realities & Limitations

A VPN is an excellent cybersecurity solution that is perfect for cafe hoppers, but they are not a complete solution. Browser-based VPNs will only protect browser traffic, not the entire device. There are also important legal and ethical considerations, such as using public Wi-Fi responsibly and not using a VPN to bypass geo-restrictions.


Public Wi-Fi can be a useful tool, especially for travelers and remote workers who enjoy spending time in cafes. While they allow you to easily connect to the internet, it is vital that you are aware of the risks of using unsecured public Wi-Fi. The advice in this post will help you protect yourself so that you can enjoy peace of mind. 

 
Jejune Contributor