How to Stay Secure on Public Wi-Fi While Travelling
A question we often get asked by clients before travelling overseas is how to stay secure while abroad. Many people are aware of the dangers public Wi-Fi networks present and will inevitably need to use one during their travels.
There are numerous ways to avoid the risk of public Wi-Fi, the most obvious being to avoid it altogether. However, for those who can’t, the best option is to use a VPN service. A quick Google search will surface dozens of VPN providers, each with its own unique features claiming to protect your privacy online. But there’s always the question of whether or not they can be trusted. After all, VPNs become the custodians of your online activity and, in some cases, may sell that data to advertisers or marketing companies—all while charging you a fee for the privilege.
To help our clients navigate this confusing space, we set out to find a VPN that’s secure enough for us to use ourselves and simple enough to recommend to friends and family.
The solution we landed on is Warp by Cloudflare, also known as 1.1.1.1.
What is Warp?
Warp combines Cloudflare’s trusted DNS service, 1.1.1.1, with VPN technology to create a secure private connection between your devices (computers, phones, tablets) and the Cloudflare network. At the same time, it optimises your connection speed for a better online experience.
Sidenote: If you’re an Axiom IT client, you already benefit from Cloudflare’s DNS service!
Why We Recommend Warp
Here are the key reasons we trust Warp for staying safe on public Wi-Fi:
- Cloudflare is a highly regarded, trusted service provider.
- It’s free to use on as many devices as you like.
- Apps are available across Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android—so it works on all your devices.
- It just works! Warp has proven to be reliable in our testing, especially on mobile devices.
Our Experience with Warp
In our testing, we found the 1.1.1.1 app to be particularly reliable on mobile devices, which can often experience issues with traditional VPNs. Many VPNs struggle when switching between Wi-Fi and mobile data (4G/5G), causing the connection to drop out and requiring a restart of the VPN. Warp handles these transitions smoothly, making it ideal for people on the go, whether for work or personal use.
Why Use Warp When Travelling?
Whether you’re travelling for work or for leisure, keeping your data secure on public Wi-Fi is critical. Warp by Cloudflare gives you peace of mind, ensuring that your online activity remains private and your connection stable.
For Axiom IT clients, we’ve whitelisted the Warp application on Windows devices, making it easy for you to download and install the app anytime without needing to contact us. Mac users will need to contact the helpdesk to get the app installed. On mobile devices, simply head to the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android) to download the 1.1.1.1 app.
Travel Safe and Secure
As you prepare for your next trip, remember to take steps to secure your online activity. Warp by Cloudflare is one way to ensure you stay protected on public Wi-Fi. For more recommendations on staying secure while travelling, feel free to reach out to us at Axiom IT.