SipCyber - Presented by IT Audit Labs

Keep Your Data Safe With this Public Wi-Fi Tip

IT Audit Labs Season 1 Episode 2

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0:00 | 3:11

Think public Wi-Fi is harmless? Think again. In this episode of SipCyber, host Jen Lotze breaks down exactly why connecting to that coffee shop network is like broadcasting your most sensitive information to everyone around you. 

Discover why your phone's 5G connection is actually safer than that "free" airport Wi-Fi, and learn the one simple habit that could save you from becoming the next data breach victim. This isn't just theory—it's practical security advice you can implement immediately.

🔐 Key Topics Covered:  

  • Why unencrypted public networks expose your personal data  
  • How 5G/LTE provides better security than public Wi-Fi 
  • The role of VPNs as encrypted tunnels for your traffic  
  • One actionable step to protect yourself today  
  • Simple habits that offer maximum security protection 

Your digital security starts with smart choices. Don't let convenience compromise your data—this episode gives you the knowledge to stay protected in our connected world. 

#PublicWiFi #cybersecurity #VPN #datasecurity #mobilesecurity 

Jen Lotze:

Hey there, coffee lovers and internet explorers. Welcome to Sip Cyber, the podcast that's on a quest for two things: the perfect cup of coffee and the simplest way to keep your digital life safe. We'll travel to small businesses, share their stories, and then get real about a cybersecurity tip that won't make your head spin. So grab your favorite mug and let's get started. It's time to get brewing. For the second episode, we're heading to one of my favorites, a drive-thru called Joe Dogo in Hudson, Wisconsin. This place is a little different because there's no physical space to gather, but the owners, Jess and Susie, still manage to create a welcoming and accepting community from the window. There's no speaker, just a window on both sides of the hut, making the personal connection immediate and always in person. It's a place that proves that a great small business is about so much more than just a storefront. It's about the care you put into every interaction and every cup. And that's something that resonates with me here at IT Audit Labs. Even with our small office, we have a big presence and truly care about our partners. The coffee at Jodega is delicious, and it's the kind of place that reminds me of why it's so important to support local and shop small. While you're enjoying my favorite beverage from Jodigo, a salted hazelnut latte, on the drive to wherever you're headed, you're likely thinking about your personal information. Well, at least I am, and I hope you are too. Today's topic ties in perfectly with this coffee shop because they do not have a public Wi-Fi, meaning there's little to no risk of a cyber problem. This brings me to today's sip of cybersecurity knowledge. Today's tip is about being cautious when you're using public Wi-Fi. Public Wi-Fi is incredibly convenient, but the moment you connect, you're in a completely open space. Imagine shouting your personal information like your bank account password or your credit card number across a crowded room. That's what you're doing on an unencrypted public network. So for today's actionable tip, we're going to talk about using a private network for sensitive stuff. There are two easy ways to do this. The first, my preference, is to use your cellular data. Your phone's 5G or LTE network is much more secure and it's a perfect way for paying a bill or checking your bank account while you're out. The second option is to use a VPN or a virtual private network. A VPN is like a private encrypted tunnel that your internet traffic travels through. It makes it very difficult for anyone to see what you're doing online. So when you're in a coffee shop or the airport or you just have to get work done, remember to turn on your VPN or use your cellular data. And remember, your VPN is a digital bouncer that will only let you in. It's a simple process that keeps you in control. Your one actionable step for today is to decide to never, ever log into a sensitive account on public Wi-Fi. It's a simple habit that offers a ton of security. Well, that's all for our second episode of Sip Cyber. Thanks for joining me on this journey to Joe Dogo and Hudson and for taking a small step to secure your online life. We'll be back next week with another great small business and a new tip. Until then, stay safe and keep sipping.