I'm considering trying out Linux on an old laptop, but I've always been cautious about connecting to public Wi-Fi due to stories of hack attacks. Currently, to avoid that risk, I'm using a slow hotspot from my phone. I'm curious if using public Wi-Fi is any safer on Linux since I've heard it's generally more secure than Windows. Should I consider this when choosing a Linux distribution? I was leaning towards Mint because it's easy to install. Also, are there any antivirus programs or security tools I should have in place for using public Wi-Fi with Linux? Thanks for any tips!
1 Answer
Public Wi-Fi poses risks on any OS, including Linux. As long as you can confirm that the Wi-Fi network is safe, you should be good to go because HTTPS encrypts your traffic. Just be mindful that anyone could set up a hotspot with a similar name (like "Starbucks Free WiFi" near an actual Starbucks), so always check you're connecting to the right one!
So, if you’re unsure about the network, would you still suggest using a VPN?