With public Wi-Fi, we can access the internet while on the road, which has become a need in our daily life. However, particularly in a nation like Saudi Arabia, accessing public Wi-Fi networks can seriously jeopardize our internet security and privacy. These incidents include online fraud, identity theft, and hacking, all of which can be made possible by using unsecured public Wi-Fi networks.
Using public Wi-Fi networks in Saudi Arabia can expose users to government surveillance and censorship in addition to crimes. There is a history of the Saudi government keeping an eye on internet activity and limiting access to particular websites and social media networks. When you use an unsecured public Wi-Fi network in Saudi Arabia, the government may be able to more easily keep an eye on your internet activities and possibly limit your access to particular websites.
Given the dangers of using public Wi-Fi, it’s critical for consumers to take precautions to keep themselves safe when utilizing Saudi Arabia’s free public Wi-Fi. We’ll examine some best practices for being secure online while using public Wi-Fi networks in the following section.
Dangers of Using Public Wi-Fi in Saudi Arabia
The fact that public Wi-Fi networks are frequently unencrypted and anyone using the network could potentially eavesdrop and read your internet traffic is one of the key dangers associated with utilizing them in Saudi Arabia. Passwords, credit card numbers, and other private information are examples of sensitive information that can be included. In what is known as “evil twin” assaults, hackers can also make fake Wi-Fi networks that mimic real ones. The hacker can steal your data and keep track of your internet behavior when you connect to one of these artificial networks.
Using public Wi-Fi in Saudi Arabia has the additional danger of these networks being compromised with viruses and malware. Malware can infect your device when you connect to a network that has been compromised, stealing your data or corrupting your system. Even if you don’t download anything or click on any links while connected to the network, this could still occur. Unfortunately, there are real dangers associated with using free WiFi in Saudi Arabia.
In Saudi Arabia, the growing reliance on connected devices has led to increasing concerns about online security. According to a survey cited by Zawya, 73% of respondents in the country are worried about their devices being hacked or attacked. This underscores the potential risks associated with using public Wi-Fi networks in the region. To safeguard your personal information and ensure a secure browsing experience, it is essential to employ a reliable VPN when using public Wi-Fi. By encrypting your data and preventing unauthorized access, a VPN can significantly reduce the dangers of cyberattacks and protect your digital life.
Best VPNs to Use on a Public WiFi in Saudi Arabia
In Saudi Arabia, prioritizing online security is of utmost importance, particularly when utilizing public Wi-Fi networks. With 28% of Wi-Fi users worldwide experiencing cyberattacks in 2021, it is essential to take appropriate measures to protect one’s sensitive information. A Virtual Private Network (VPN) offers a secure solution by encrypting user data, thus preventing unauthorized access. We strongly recommend investing in a reputable VPN service to enhance your online security and privacy while using public Wi-Fi networks in Saudi Arabia, and here are our top recommendations.
CyberGhost VPN
Starting off with a user-friendly VPN service with 14 servers available in Saudi Arabia is CyberGhost VPN. The service has a strict no-logs policy and strong security features, including virus prevention and ad blocking. In addition to Saudi Arabia, CyberGhost VPN provides servers in more than 91 other countries. The user-friendly apps for the service are accessible on a variety of platforms, including Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android.
The ease of use of CyberGhost VPN is one of its primary attributes. Even those who are not tech-savvy will find the service to be incredibly simple to utilize. Additionally, CyberGhost VPN provides cutting-edge features like DNS leak protection and a kill switch to help guarantee the privacy and security of your data. CyberGhost VPN’s capability to automatically connect to the optimal server based on your location and usage is another standout feature.
Three different pricing tiers are available for CyberGhost VPN: a one-month subscription costs $3.25, and a 27-month plan costs $350.77. There is a 45-day money-back guarantee on all plans.
ExpressVPN
Next, we have a reputable VPN provider – ExpressVPN. Users that value security and speed will find the service to be a wonderful choice because of its high connection speeds. ExpressVPN provides servers in over 94 countries. Users can simply connect to servers in different nations using this to obtain content that is only available in certain regions. Additionally, ExpressVPN provides easy-to-use apps for a variety of devices, including Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android.
Speed is one of ExpressVPN’s best qualities. For streaming, downloading, and browsing, the service’s blazing-fast connections are ideal. Additionally, ExpressVPN provides cutting-edge security tools like DNS leak protection and a kill switch to help guarantee that your data is kept private and secure. Although ExpressVPN is one of the more expensive VPN services available, people like it because of its reputation for speed and security.
Three different pricing tiers are available from ExpressVPN: a one-month plan costs $12.95, a six-month plan costs $9.99/month, and a 12-month plan costs $8.32/month. There is a 30-day money-back guarantee on all plans.
Surfshark VPN
Surfshark VPN has swiftly become well-known due to its competitive cost and cutting-edge security features. The service provides one virtual server in Saudi Arabia and more than 3200+ servers across 100 countries. Surfshark VPN delivers cutting-edge features like ad-blocking and virus prevention in addition to using robust encryption to safeguard customers’ online privacy. The user-friendly apps for the service are accessible on a variety of platforms, including Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android.
The price of Surfshark VPN is one of its primary characteristics. Surfshark VPN is one of the least-priced solutions on the market, yet it provides many of the same features as more expensive VPN services. Additionally, the service permits limitless simultaneous connections, allowing customers to link as many devices as they choose to the service with a single account. Additionally, Surfshark VPN has cutting-edge features like CleanWeb, which assists in blocking malware and advertisements, and a kill switch, which aids in protecting your data in the event that your connection is lost.
Three pricing tiers are available for Surfshark VPN: a one-month subscription costs $12.95, a twelve-month plan costs $3.99/month, and a two-year plan costs $2.30/month. There is a 30-day money-back guarantee on all plans.
NordVPN
Another well-regarded VPN provider is NordVPN. The service provides users with additional levels of safety by offering cutting-edge security technologies like double VPN and Onion over VPN. Additionally, NordVPN strictly adheres to the no-logs policy, meaning that it does not gather or retain any user data. NordVPN provides servers in more than 60 countries.
Security is one of NordVPN’s best qualities. The encryption offered by the service is of the same military-grade quality as that employed by governmental and armed forces. Additionally, NordVPN provides cutting-edge features like CyberSec, which helps stop malware and advertisements, and a kill switch, which helps safeguard your data in the event that your connection is lost. Even though NordVPN is somewhat more expensive than ExpressVPN, it is still one of the more expensive VPN services available.
There are three different standard price tiers offered by NordVPN: a one-month plan costs $12.99, an annual plan costs $4.59/month, and a two-year plan costs $3.29/month. There is a 30-day money-back guarantee on all plans.
Atlas VPN
Although the service is free to use, it provides robust encryption and a simple user interface, making it an excellent choice for individuals on a tight budget. Atlas VPN has its servers in the UAE, which provides high-speed internet connection.
The ease of use of Atlas VPN is one of its primary characteristics. The service has user-friendly software that can be downloaded on a variety of devices, making it incredibly simple to use. Additionally, Atlas VPN provides cutting-edge features like DNS leak protection and a kill switch to help guarantee the privacy and security of your data. Atlas VPN also has the ability to prevent trackers and advertisements, which enhances your browsing experience.
Even while Atlas VPN is a fantastic free choice for customers on a tight budget, it does have some restrictions. For instance, the service has fewer server locations than some of the commercial VPN services available, and it might not be as quick or dependable.
It’s crucial to select a VPN provider with local servers if you intend to use it in Saudi Arabia. By doing this, you can be confident that your internet traffic will be directed to a server in Saudi Arabia, giving you the fastest and most secure connection imaginable.
How to Protect Yourself from the Dangers of Using Public Wi-Fi in Saudi Arabia
In addition to utilizing a VPN, the following other best practices should be followed to secure oneself while using public Wi-Fi in Saudi Arabia:
1. Avoid entering personal information or accessing sensitive websites while using public Wi-Fi
Because public Wi-Fi networks are not secure, anyone using the network could possibly intercept your data. Avoid using public Wi-Fi to access important websites, such as online banking or email, to reduce the chance that your data will be hacked. If you need to access sensitive information, think about encrypting your data with a VPN.
2. Update the software on your device
Updating the software on your smartphone is essential for maintaining online safety. Security fixes that correct vulnerabilities that cybercriminals can exploit are frequently included in updates. You can reduce the likelihood that your data will be compromised by keeping the software on your device up to date.
3. Turn off automatic Wi-Fi connections
A lot of devices include a feature that connects them to Wi-Fi networks they have previously connected to automatically. Although this function may be useful, if you’re not careful, it could also be dangerous. Your data may be intercepted if your device routinely joins unprotected public Wi-Fi networks without your knowledge. Disable automatic Wi-Fi connections on your device and manually connect to Wi-Fi networks as necessary to avoid this from happening.
4. Make use of two-factor authentication
This security feature forces you to enter two different forms of identity in order to access your account. For instance, you might receive a password and a verification code on your phone. You may increase the security of your accounts and make it more difficult for hackers to access your information by utilizing two-factor authentication.
Using a trustworthy VPN service with Saudi servers, like those we’ve highlighted in this article, such as CyberGhost VPN, ExpressVPN, Surfshark VPN, NordVPN, and Atlas VPN, offers strong encryption, user-friendly apps, and servers in Saudi Arabia, in addition to other countries around the world.
Conclusion
While using public Wi-Fi networks can be handy, they also pose a threat to your online security and privacy. You can safeguard yourself from potential dangers while utilizing public Wi-Fi networks by adhering to the best practices described in this article and using a VPN service with servers in Saudi Arabia. Make sure to select a reliable VPN service that puts your online privacy and security first.
FAQs
Is Saudi Arabia’s free public WiFi secure?
No, using open WiFi networks in Saudi Arabia—or any other country, for that matter—is not safe. Since unprotected public Wi-Fi networks are common, anyone using the network has the potential to intercept your data.
What is a VPN?
Virtual private network, or VPN, services encrypt and direct your internet traffic through a secure server. You can access content that could be geographically restricted, as well as safeguard your online privacy and security by using a VPN.
How does a VPN work?
Your internet traffic is encrypted and sent through a secure server when you connect to a VPN. Because of this, it is far more challenging for someone to intercept or read your data. You can access content that might be geographically prohibited and safeguard your online privacy and security by utilizing a VPN.
