Can a VPN Enhance My Online Security While Using Public Wi-Fi?

Using a VPN on public Wi-Fi is a bit tricky. It's true, some people trust third-party servers to protect their data, but it's kind of a paradox. The strongest security comes from end-to-end encryption, and trusting someone else's server can be risky. Just be cautious about who you rely on for that VPN service. Your data might not be as valuable, but protecting your privacy is still essential.

Regarding your VPN disconnecting, it could be specific to the Wi-Fi provider. Some networks restrict VPN traffic. If your VPN keeps dropping, try using different server ports like 443 or 8080 to see if that stabilizes your connection.

When you're on public Wi-Fi, whether or not a VPN adds security depends on what you're accessing. If you're connecting to HTTPS sites, your data is already encrypted by TLS, so the VPN doesn't really enhance that security. However, if you're using HTTP sites, then sure, the VPN can be helpful because it encrypts your traffic. Just keep that in mind when you're browsing.

In general, a VPN does add a layer of security, but most of the time, the data you send over the internet is already encrypted. Think of it like putting a security guard at a battle ship—might seem extra, but it doesn’t really change that the ship's defenses are already solid. Just remember, local threats like malware can bypass all that, so your online habits matter just as much.