How to Create a VPN Connection in Your Mobile Device
Keeping your personal details and sensitive information secure when using public Wi-Fi is something we’ve all become familiar with in recent times. Apps such as WiFi security, VPN apps, and even browsers themselves, such as Google Chrome, are moving toward being more secure by default.
If you’re the sort of person who connects their phone to a VPN app whenever they’re out and about, you’ll no doubt be pleased to know that you can do the same thing manually, too.
Here’s how.
Create A VPN Account On Your Mobile Device
If you haven’t already, you’ll want to create a VPN account on your mobile device so you can connect using a simple username and password. It may be a good idea to choose a complex password (at least 10 characters long) and ensure you keep it secret.
If you’ve already got a VPN account on another device, you can easily log in to the one you’ve got on your mobile phone using the same credentials, or you can create a new set of credentials for the mobile device.
Set Up A VPN Connection On Your Mobile Device
Now that you’ve got a VPN account set up on your mobile device, you can easily connect to a VPN server to secure your Wi-Fi connection. As a rule of thumb, use the ones offered by your mobile device provider. You should also look for servers in your vicinity, as the farther the VPN Server is, the longer it’ll take to connect. You don’t want to be tethered to a slow VPN server when you’re already restricted by the speed of your mobile data connection.
Some companies, such as NordVPN, provide free applications for Android and iOS, so you can connect to a VPN server even when you’re on the go. This can be handy if you’re planning on using public Wi-Fi to get some work done – as long as you remember to disconnect whenever you log off from a VPN server, you won’t have to worry about being tracked or monitored by the authorities while you’re connected.
Check For Updates To Your VPN Client
If you’re using a VPN app on your mobile device, make sure you keep it up to date. Doing this ensures you’ll be able to connect to a trusted server and prevent connection errors caused by outdated software. You should also set your VPN app’s notification settings so you’ll be alerted whenever there are updates available. This way, you can keep track of all the security patches your VPN app needs to stay secure.
Enable BitLocker To Secure Your Storage On Your Mobile Device
If you’ve got a lot of important files and data stored on your mobile device (for example, documents, photos, and music), you’ll want to consider enabling bitLocker. This feature, which is built into Windows 10 and Mac OS X, provides additional security by requiring a password whenever your phone is connected to a PC or Mac).
If you’ve got a lot of sensitive information stored on your mobile device and you don’t want any accidental leaks, enabling bitLocker is a good choice. It’s also a good idea to enable a passcode lock so no one else can use your device when it’s connected to a PC or Mac. Doing this prevents unauthorized access to your personal data and allows only you to view and edit files on your device.
Always Be Aware Of Phishing
It’s essential you’re aware of phishing scams, since these are one of the most common ways hackers get your personal information. Phishing scams usually start with an email that looks like it’s from your bank, requesting your personal details (usually an account number and/or password).
To avoid falling for a phishing scam, you’ve got to be careful about which emails you click on, and you’ve got to be careful about what details you provide. Think about the type of email you receive – if it’s asking for your bank details, it’s probably a scam. If you’ve ever gotten an email asking you to verify your mobile number, beware. It’s usually (though not always) a scam. If you suspect something is off, report it to your mobile phone provider or the police.
Even if you haven’t given any personal information, you may still be targeted by a phishing scam. This is because the scammers usually try and steal your email address, which is attached to your Google account. If you ever receive an email claiming to be from Google, where you’ve never given your email address, report it to Google as a suspicious activity. Never give out your personal details to anyone – not even your bank.
Once you’ve set up your VPN account on your mobile device, you’ll likely want to use it every time you log on to public Wi-Fi while on the go. To do this, simply connect to the VPN server when you log on to public Wi-Fi, and you’ll be protected from hackers and identity thieves trying to access your personal data. Keep in mind, though, that when you’re not near your home Wi-Fi network, your mobile data connection may not be secure (unless you’re connected to a VPN server). In this case, it’s best to be safe than sorry and ensure you’re always protected when using public Wi-Fi – even when you don’t want to be.