Staying safe on public Wi-Fi

As a real estate professional, you're always on the move. You're at coffee shops, airports, and hotel lobbies, and that free public Wi-Fi feels like a lifesaver. It’s so convenient to check emails and log into the multiple listing platform between appointments.

But that convenience comes with a big risk. Public Wi-Fi networks are often unsecured, and they can be a playground for hackers. This means your emails, multiple listing logins, and sensitive client documents could be exposed. Anyone on the same network could be "snooping" on your activity, easily stealing your data.

A single breach can compromise your reputation and, most importantly, your clients’ trust.

The good news? A few smart habits can keep you safe.

Tips for secure connections

1. Use your phone's hotspot whenever possible, use your phone's cellular data and turn on your personal hotspot. It’s much more secure than a public Wi-Fi network and creates a private connection just for you.
2. Always use a VPN If you have to use public Wi-Fi, always connect through a VPN (virtual private network). A VPN encrypts your data, creating a secure "tunnel" between your device and the internet. This makes your online activity unreadable to anyone else on the network. Popular and trusted VPN providers include NordVPN, ExpressVPN, SurfShark, and Proton VPN.
3. Keep your devices updated always make sure your phone, tablet, and laptop are running the latest software – both for the operating system and installed software such as web browsers Security patches protect your devices from common hacks and vulnerabilities that criminals try to exploit.
4. Avoid sensitive activity never access sensitive files, like contracts or wire instructions, on a public Wi-Fi network. Log out of all sensitive accounts—such as your MLS, email, and banking—as soon as you're done.

Remember: convenience isn’t worth the risk. A secure connection protects your business, your reputation, and your clients’ trust.