Why You Should Never Trust Public WiFi—And How a VPN Can Save Your Data

Guest Networks, Work WiFi, or McDonald’s—What’s the Risk?

• Any WiFi you don’t control is not secure—even if it’s got a password.

• Most modems and routers are just hubs—everyone on that network can (with the right tools) see who else is connected, and maybe even snoop on your activity.

• Just because a network has a password doesn’t mean you’re safe. You’re only as safe as the least careful person using it.

The Problem With Shared and Public WiFi

• You never know who’s on the network—could be just a kid with games, could be someone running packet sniffers.

• All your traffic can be watched, intercepted, or even altered.

• You would never hand your house keys to a stranger—don’t hand your data over, either.

VPN: Your Privacy Superpower

• VPN = Virtual Private Network.

  • Creates an encrypted tunnel for your internet traffic—even on public or sketchy WiFi.

  • Anyone trying to snoop sees nothing but scrambled data.

  • You can also appear as if you’re browsing from a totally different location.

• Why Use a VPN?

  • Secures your studio traffic—music files, passwords, project data, everything.

  • Protects you on public, work, hotel, or even “guest” home networks.

  • Stops your internet provider (and advertisers) from tracking your every move.

• Free VPNs?

  • There are free options (ProtonVPN, Windscribe, TunnelBear, etc.).

  • Paid VPNs are usually faster, more reliable, and less likely to sell your data, but any VPN is better than none on public WiFi.

Echo’s Take

• If it’s not your network—don’t trust it.

• If you have to use public/shared WiFi, ALWAYS use a VPN. No exceptions.

• Even at home, a VPN adds a layer of privacy that keeps your work, browsing, and downloads yours alone.

Bottom Line: In today’s world, a VPN isn’t paranoia—it’s basic digital hygiene. Protect your studio, protect your art, protect yourself. There’s really no excuse not to use one.