Connection safety
Check what your connection exposes
See your exposed IP address, ISP, and approximate location in one click — then lock down public Wi-Fi before you buy, sell, or message strangers online.
Scanning your connection...
🛡️ Public Wi-Fi safety checklist
Coffee shops and libraries are great for browsing listings and messaging buyers, but public networks are vulnerable to packet sniffing. Follow these steps to secure your connection:
- ✓Use an encrypted VPN: Never enter passwords or access bank accounts on public Wi-Fi without an active VPN tunnel.
- ✓Disable automatic Wi-Fi joining: Prevent your phone or laptop from connecting to rogue hotspots imitating cafe networks.
- ✓Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Ensure that even if someone intercepts your password, they cannot access your accounts.
- ✓Verify HTTPS: Make sure the lock icon is visible in your browser address bar on every site you visit.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my exposed IP matter when buying or selling online?
Your IP address reveals your internet provider and approximate area. On public Wi-Fi, an attacker on the same network can also intercept unencrypted traffic. Before coordinating sales, payments, or meetups with strangers, it pays to know exactly what your connection exposes.
What is a VPN and when should I use one?
A VPN (virtual private network) encrypts your connection and masks your real IP. Use one whenever you are on public Wi-Fi (coffee shops, airports, libraries) and whenever you would rather not have sites or counterparties see your approximate location.
Does a VPN protect me from marketplace scams?
Not by itself. A VPN protects your connection, not your decisions: still follow the basics — deal locally in person, meet in public places, never wire deposits to strangers. The VPN keeps your technical details private; common sense prevents the fraud.
How do I set up a VPN on my router?
You can install a VPN directly on routers compatible with custom firmware like DD-WRT or Tomato. This automatically protects every device in your home (smart TVs, consoles, phones) using the .ovpn configuration files from your VPN provider.
Meeting buyers or sellers? Stay private
When you trade on classifieds, you exchange messages, phone numbers, and photos with strangers. Keep the technical side private: hide your IP with a VPN, use the in-site chat until you trust the other party, and review our safety basics before meeting.
Safety basicsTraveling? Access your home libraries
Streaming platforms limit their catalogs by country. When you travel abroad — or just moved to the US — connecting through a VPN server back home lets you keep watching the libraries you already pay for.
Secure your connection today
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