Tech Tips: Using a VPN for Public WiFi Access

Tech Tips: Using a VPN for Public WiFi Access

Will you be using a public WiFi in the coming weeks (your hotel, an airport, Starbucks, your neighbor’s guest WiFi)?

Several of you asked about VPNs after reading last week’s Tech Tuesday about travel security.  Here’s what you should know:

First things first … Why use a VPN?

Which would you prefer?

Think about leaving your house or apartment, driving a rusty Carolina Blue station wagon with no top through town on a crowded street.  Lots of crossroads and places you can be seen and followed.  During the drive, anyone can see inside your car, you can be tracked by cameras and your movement can be monitored.  Everyone can see where you came from and everyone can see where you’re headed. That’s what it’s like using public WiFi without using a VPN. 

Now, think about leaving your house or apartment  in a beautiful, Duke Blue SUV with darkened windows on all sides, traveling through a tunnel that begins inside your garage and ends at your destination. There are no entries, no exits, and no other vehicles in the tunnel.  No cameras or other ways to track you.  No one can see into the SUV.  They also can’t tell where you came from or know where you’re headed.  That’s what it’s like using public WiFi with a VPN.

If you routinely use public WiFi (hotel, airport, Panera, etc.), you should consider using a VPN.

Answers to some of your questions -

  • What are the main benefits of a VPN?

    • A VPN hides your computer’s IP address from hackers and websites

      • Your location & device are unknown – you appear as the VPN server, not your device

    • All traffic entering and leaving your device is encrypted

      • Your data is safe and secure at all times.

    • Your internet activity remains private

    • Travel internationally?  A VPN can make it appear to websites as if you are back home in the US.

  • Can I still be hacked if I use a VPN?

    • Yes.  A VPN does not protect your device from viruses and malware if you go to a malicious site.

    • You’ll still need to use a virus protection program.

  • How do I get a VPN?

    • There are many private VPNs available online.  Use the link below to find one that suits your requirements.

    • When selecting a VPN, be sure to look at customer comments and industry rating.  Select one that offers:

      • No logging or monitoring

      • Strong encryption

      • No advertisements

      • Multiple devices (use it on your PC, mobile device, tablet, etc.)

  • Is there a cost for a private VPN?

    • Yes.  There are free VPNs, but they contain ads and/or monitor and sell your activity.

  • Does Duke cover the cost for a private VPN?

    • No, but they offer the Duke VPN for you to use if you’d like to use one.

  • Can I use Duke’s VPN for private internet activity?

    • Yes.  It will appear to all of the websites you visit that you are located at Duke.

    • It may slow down your browsing a little.

How Do I use the Duke VPN?

Here’s a link to the Duke VPN page. The steps you’ll follow:

  • Before installing the VPN client, set up your Multifactor Authentication

  • Download and run the Cisco AnyConnect install file

  • Once the installation is complete, open Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client

  • In the Connect box type: dmvpn.duhs.duke.edu

  • Enter your NetID and Password

  • For Security Key or Second Password, enter your Multifactor Authentication code from DUO Mobile

  • Click OK

  • Once connected, the dialog box will disappear

  • When you are finished with the VPN

    • Open Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client

    • Select the Disconnect option

Extra Credit

  • Get a Private VPN and use it on all devices

    • Using a private VPN provides an encrypted connection for all of your devices, not just your main computer.  

    • Here’s a comparison of different private VPN services from a trusted source.  If you’d like a recommendation for a basic, easy-to-use personal VPN, try TunnelBear.

Have any questions about this or other tech used at DUSON?

As always, if you have any technical questions or problems, please contact your IT Service Desk at 919-684-9200, or email to citdl@mc.duke.edu.

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