Hackers Are Targeting Students on Public Wi-Fi. Learn How To Protect Yourself
Protect your online privacy and access educational resources anywhere. Discover the best VPNs for students.
Student Accounts Are Getting Hacked and Schools Aren't Talking About It
Every day, millions of students just like you connect to public Wi-Fi networks—in coffee shops, libraries, dorms, and on campus. What you might not realize is that these networks are often a hacker’s playground.
In 2024 alone, 3 billion accounts were hacked worldwide, and 38 million student records were leaked in 2023-2024. Personal information like your email logins, bank account details, financial aid information, and even your Social Security number could already be on the dark web. The scariest part? Schools aren’t talking about it.
Your schools won't tell you because they want to track your data, but all of this is easily preventable by simply downloading a VPN on your device. If you don't know what a VPN exactly does continue to learn more.
38+ million student accounts breached in 2023
Learn More in blog60+ million student accounts breached this year already
Learn More in blogBILLIONS of dollars lost in identify theft on students
Learn More in blogWhat is a VPN?
Here is why a VPN is essential for students
Encrypt your data preventing hackers from accessing important info
Access anything that may be blocked on your network by simply changing location
Prevent administrations from tracking your data for their advantage
Good for Streaming Shows, Sports betting, Safely Navigating the Web
Why Public Wi-Fi is a Danger Zone
Public Wi-Fi networks are often unencrypted, meaning hackers can easily intercept your data . Here’s how they do it:
-
Man-in-the-Middle Attacks
Hackers position themselves between you and the network, capturing everything you send like passwords, financial information, and personal emails.
-
Fake Wi-Fi Hotspots
A hacker creates a network named something like “Campus Free Wi-Fi,” and unsuspecting students connect. Everything you type or access is visible to them or to third parties.
-
Packet Sniffing
With the right tools, hackers can monitor unencrypted traffic on public networks, stealing your login credentials and other sensitive information. Don’t think it can happen to you? Think again.
How a VPN Can Save You:
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is your secret weapon against hackers. Here’s how it works:
-
Encrypts Your Data
A VPN makes it impossible for hackers to see your activity, even on public Wi-Fi.
-
Hides Your Location
Your IP address is masked, keeping your online presence anonymous.
-
Protects Financial Transactions
Shop, bank, or pay tuition bills without worrying about hackers intercepting your data. With a VPN, you can confidently connect to any Wi-Fi network, knowing your data is secure.
Why Choose NordVPN?
NordVPN has been proven itself to be the #1 trusted VPN for everyone. Here’s why:
-
Lightning-Fast Speeds
No buffering, no lag—perfect for streaming, gaming, and studying online.
-
Military-Grade Encryption
Your data stays safe, even on the most vulnerable networks.
-
Affordable Plans
Get student-friendly pricing to protect your data without breaking the bank.
-
Easy to Use
Download and set up in just minutes.
Plus, with 6,000+ servers worldwide, NordVPN ensures your connection is always secure and fast.
Note: If you were thinking of getting a free VPN it is highly unadvised because not only is it not efficient , it could actually make you more vulnerable to hackers as well as slower internet speeds.
Learn More about NordVPN
Take Action: Protect Yourself Today
Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late.
Every time you connect to public Wi-Fi without protection, you’re putting your personal information at risk.
Here’s What to Do:
-
Click below to Get NordVPN
-
Download the App
-
Turn On Your VPN Every Time You Go Online
"Yea but that would never happen to me so I don't really care"
"PowerSchool data breach exposes millions (60M+) of student and teacher records" INCLUDING SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBERS!" - Nicki Reisburg on Data Breach This Year
“This data all still exists and is being held in our school district systems waiting for the next group of hackers to come in and take it" - Nicki Reisburg on Data Breach This Year
"She said the finance office then told her that hackers must have rerouted her son’s money. She said the school blamed her son, saying he must of clicked on a spam email or text."Terry Martinezon | FoxNews
If we were to put all the reports of data breaches on students this site would become a 10,000 page book. But this comes to show that nobody is safe and schools do not plan to take blame for their poor security.
Quick Fact: American citizens lost a total of $43 billion to identity fraud in 2023
Ironic you don't see this anywhere as we journey into world run by tech
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely. Without a VPN, you’re leaving your personal information—passwords, financial data, and even your identity—exposed to hackers. Public Wi-Fi networks (especially around college campuses) are hunting grounds for cybercriminals, and one wrong connection could cost you everything. If you'd pay $10 for a show or music subscription, why wouldn't you do the same to protect your personal data online?
If you were thinking of getting a free VPN it is highly unadvised because many free providers collect and sell your data, defeating the purpose of privacy. Additionally, free VPNs often have weak security, much slower speeds, and limited server options, leaving your online activity vulnerable.
Yes! For just a few dollars a month, you get peace of mind knowing your personal information is safe. Plus, NordVPN has been the #1 trusted VPN for years for many reasons (as well as all the added benefits of having a VPN).
A VPN works by encrypting your internet connection, creating a secure and private tunnel between your device and the web. This ensures your data stays protected from hackers and any administration using your data to their advantage. It also hides your IP address, keeping your online identity anonymous.