Public Wi-Fi has become an essential service available in coffee shops, bars, trains, and planes worldwide. However, it’s important to note that many of these networks are completely unsecured, leaving room for hackers to intercept your data, monitor your online activities, and potentially steal your private information. If you frequently connect to these hotspots, taking the time to learn about VPNs and their benefits can prove invaluable. This article aims to guide you in staying safe on public Wi-Fi.

Understanding the Risks of Public Wi-Fi

The greatest risk of connecting to public Wi-Fi lies in the possibility of falling victim to man-in-the-middle attacks. These attacks occur when an attacker intercepts the communication between your device and the Wi-Fi network, potentially gaining access to sensitive data such as your online banking details, passwords, and personal information.

Furthermore, public Wi-Fi networks can serve as breeding grounds for rogue networks. These malicious networks mimic legitimate ones and are set up by attackers to deceive unsuspecting users. Connecting to rogue networks unknowingly exposes your data to cybercriminals.

How Can a VPN Safeguard You on Public Wi-Fi?

A VPN (Virtual Private Network) shields you from these threats by routing your internet traffic through its own secure servers using powerful encryption. Here’s how it works:

• • Encryption: A VPN encrypts your data, rendering it unreadable to potential interceptors. Utilizing industry-standard AES-128 or 256 encryption, VPNs ensure that your data remains virtually uncrackable.
• • Anonymity: By masking your IP address, a VPN makes it harder for others to trace your online activities back to you.
• • Secure Connection: When you connect to a VPN server, your data travels through a secure tunnel, preventing hackers from accessing your information even if the public Wi-Fi network is compromised.

Choosing the Right VPN for Public Wi-Fi

When selecting a VPN for public Wi-Fi, consider your online activities and the duration of your usage. Here are some factors to keep in mind:

• • Data Limits and Speeds: Free VPNs often impose data limits and throttle speeds, which may suffice for occasional use but prove inadequate for regular or extended sessions.
• • Device Compatibility: Ensure that the VPN has apps available for all your devices. Premium VPNs generally support a range of platforms, including smartphones, tablets, and laptops.
• • Streaming Capability: If you want to watch videos during your breaks, opt for a VPN that can access popular streaming sites.
• • Reliability and Support: Look for VPN providers that offer 24/7 support and have a solid reputation for reliability.

Our top-rated VPN is ExpressVPN, renowned for its military-grade encryption, fast connection speeds, and exceptional customer support. With its versatility and compatibility across virtually all devices, ExpressVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing you to test it risk-free.

For those on a budget, Surfshark makes an excellent alternative. It provides robust security features at a lower cost, making it an ideal choice for regular public Wi-Fi users seeking reliable protection without breaking the bank.

While public Wi-Fi offers convenience, it also carries substantial risks. Using a VPN is a simple yet effective method to safeguard your data from prying eyes. Whether you choose a premium service like ExpressVPN or a budget-friendly option such as Surfshark, investing in a reliable VPN is a small price to pay for the peace of mind it brings.

By taking this precaution, you can safely browse, work, and enjoy your online activities on public Wi-Fi networks without worrying about cyber threats. Stay informed, stay secure, and make the most of the digital world with the protection of a VPN. Remember that your safety matters, and a VPN can be your strongest ally in the world of public Wi-Fi.

A virtual private network (VPN) is a mechanism for creating a secure connection between a computing device and a computer network, or between two networks, using an insecure communication medium such as the public Internet.^[1]

A VPN can extend access to a private network (one that disallows or restricts public access) to users who do not have direct access to it, such as an office network allowing secure access from off-site over the Internet.^[2]

The benefits of a VPN include security, reduced costs for dedicated communication lines, and greater flexibility for remote workers.^[3]

A VPN is created by establishing a virtual point-to-point connection through the use of tunneling protocols over existing networks. This process involves encapsulating and encrypting the data to ensure secure transmission between two or more devices. A VPN available from the public Internet can provide some of the benefits of a private wide area network (WAN). These benefits include enhanced security, privacy, and the ability to bypass geographical restrictions, making it an essential tool for both individuals and businesses seeking to protect sensitive information and access restricted content while maintaining anonymity online. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virtual_private_network

https://stmdailynews.com/category/tech

TORONTO /CNW/ – New research from The Salvation Army Canada finds that many Canadians continue to struggle to meet their basic needs with food affordability, inflation and housing security challenges persisting as top issues.

As one of the largest non-governmental direct providers of social services in Canada, The Salvation Army produces the biannual Canadian Poverty and Socioeconomic Analysis to better understand the attitudes, behaviours and experiences of Canadians on issues such as the availability of housing and food, general affordability and related health outcomes.

Due to overwhelming feedback from policymakers, news media and other stakeholders, The Salvation Army will now produce the Canadian Poverty and Socioeconomic Analysis twice a year, in the spring and fall. This will allow The Salvation Army to quantify the demand for ongoing social services provided and help the organization to better serve those in need.

The most recent research shows Canadians rank health care, inflation and food affordability as their top concerns. These findings are in line with The Salvation Army’s internal data, which reveal households that were inactive in reaching out for help are now active, and the number of new households seeking assistance, such as food, clothing, furniture and emergency housing, is on the rise.

The report finds that 26 percent of Canadians polled continue to be extremely concerned about having enough income to cover their basic needs, and that concerns around food security are on the rise. While seven percent of respondents said they recently accessed a food bank, food hamper or community meal program (up from six percent in October 2023), the percentage of first-time users is up sharply, to 61 percent compared to 43 Percent in October 2023.

“The increase in first-time users of food banks is an alarming indicator of the conditions that many Canadians are facing,” said Lt-Colonel John Murray, territorial secretary for communications, The Salvation Army in Canada and Bermuda. “We often find that when people show up at a food bank it can be the tip of the iceberg for additional issues they may be facing. The Salvation Army is committed to a holistic approach in supporting people through partnerships that help create a positive impact on individuals and families.”

The number of respondents who said they had skipped or reduced the size of at least one meal increased to 26 percent, up from 21 percent previously (October 2023). More Canadians also said they’d bought less nutritious food to save money and had reduced their grocery bill to pay for other necessities.

On financial issues, 72 percent of respondents described challenges managing limited financial resources in the past year, including cutting back on non-essential needs (59 percent), changing habits to save money (52 percent) and using savings or going into debt to afford basic needs (36 percent).

“Despite easing inflation numbers, life is still difficult for many Canadians,” said Murray. “Food insecurity is just one symptom facing people today. At The Salvation Army, our vision is to reduce barriers and address the root causes of poverty, working together with people to achieve their goals in overcoming them.”

Last year, more than three million visits were made to The Salvation Army in Canada and Bermuda for assistance, including 2.1 million visits for food, clothing or practical help, 438,000 visits for Christmas food hampers and toys, and 3.2 million community meals.

Survey Methodology:

This report contains findings from research conducted by Edelman Data & Intelligence on behalf of The Salvation Army to uncover Canadians’ attitudes and experiences with poverty and related socioeconomic issues.

The study was conducted March 11-14, 2024, among a nationally representative sample of 1,515 Canadians who are members of the online Angus Reid Forum, balanced and weighted on age, gender and region. Note: Canadians living in Yukon, Northwest Territories and Nunavut were not included in the survey.

For comparison purposes only, a probability sample of this size would carry a margin of error of +/- 2.5 percentage points, 19 times out of 20. And, where a margin of error is not available, the research department provides a comparable one so that the audience can have some context to the value of the poll.

About The Salvation Army:

The Salvation Army is an international Christian organization that began its work in Canada in 1882 and has grown to become one of the largest direct providers of social services in the country. The Salvation Army gives hope and support to vulnerable people in 400 communities across Canada and in more than 130 countries around the world. Its community and social service activities include: hunger relief for individuals and families through food banks and feeding programs; shelter for people experiencing homelessness and support for those needing housing; rehabilitation for those struggling with substance-use recovery; long-term care and palliative care; Christmas assistance, such as food hampers and toys; after-school programs, camps and school nutrition programs for children and youth; and life-skills classes, such as budgeting, cooking for a family, and anger management. When you give to The Salvation Army, you are investing in the future of people in your community. 

News releases, articles and updated information can be found at https://salvationarmy.ca/
A list of regional media representatives can be found at: https://salvationarmy.ca/news-and-media/media-contacts/

SOURCE The Salvation Army

In a recent announcement that sent shockwaves through California’s fast-food landscape, Rubio’s Coastal Grill disclosed its decision to close 48 “underperforming” locations across the state. Citing the “rising cost of doing business” and the challenging “current business climate” in California, the beloved fish taco chain is the latest casualty in an industry grappling with economic pressures.

The closures, concentrated in key regions such as Los Angeles, San Diego, and Northern California, underscore the harsh realities faced by businesses in the state. With nearly 80% of Americans now viewing fast food as a luxury, the landscape has become increasingly challenging for restaurants like Rubio’s.

One significant factor in this decision is the recent implementation of California Assembly Bill 1228, which raised the minimum wage for fast-food workers from $16 to $20 an hour. While Rubio’s did not explicitly mention the law in their statement, the broader impact of such legislation on operating costs and profitability is clear.

Founded in 1983 by Ralph Rubio, the chain’s journey from a single San Diego location to a multi-state presence was an inspiring success story. However, the pandemic-induced challenges of 2020, coupled with bankruptcy filings and subsequent closures in Florida, Utah, and Colorado, signaled a turbulent period for the once-thriving brand.

The spokesperson’s acknowledgment of the painful but necessary nature of these closures reflects a strategic pivot towards long-term viability. By consolidating operations and focusing on a leaner footprint, Rubio’s aims to secure its future and uphold its legacy amidst challenging market conditions.

As Rubio’s navigates this critical juncture, loyal customers and industry observers alike will be watching closely to see how the brand adapts and evolves in response to these seismic shifts. The story of Rubio’s serves as a poignant reminder of the relentless pressures facing businesses in today’s fast-paced and unforgiving economic landscape.

While the closure of these locations may mark the end of an era for some, it also represents a new chapter in the ongoing saga of Rubio’s Coastal Grill—a story of resilience, adaptation, and the enduring pursuit of success in the face of adversity.

Read this article from KTLA. https://ktla.com/news/california/rubios-restaurant-closures/

Refer to this KTLA article for more information: https://ktla.com/news/california/rubios-restaurant-closures/.

https://stmdailynews.com/category/food-and-beverage