Help Do I need a VPN when I'm on Mobile Data or home secured wi-fi?

[pentel]

I know a VPN is needed when accessing the internet on a public wi-fi hotspot to protect privacy and security.

But I'm unclear if a VPN is needed in the following situations:

1. Accessing the internet in public on my Mobile Data with wi-fi turned off
2. Accessing the internet at home on home secured (WPA2) wi-fi with Mobile Data turned off

Is a VPN needed in scenario #1 and #2?

Ps. I'm not talking about anonymous surfing in the context of this question, it is more on preventing hackers or people from stealing my info while on the internet.

 

[Slug]

The choice, as they say, is up to you.

Personally, I never connect to public wifi APs unless via a VPN. At home, using WPA2 PSK encryption through a router I have sole control over, I don't bother.

 

[pentel]

Ok, that answers #2 for home secured wi-fi.

What about #1, when I'm accessing the internet on my mobile data with wi-fi turned off in public?

I imagine my data is safe when using mobile data with wi-fi turned off, just want to be sure.

 

[Slug]

What about #1, when I'm accessing the internet on my mobile data with wi-fi turned off in public?

If you're worried about security then a VPN is advisable when using any public unsecured connection. I don't use mobile data for banking or any other sensitive traffic so it's not an issue, but your mileage may vary.

I imagine my data is safe when using mobile data with wi-fi turned off, just want to be sure.

If it's not under your own control then it's never 100% safe.

 

[pentel]

I'm not familiar with mobile data. I didn't realize that mobile data is not secured, I thought since I had sole access to my mobile data and no one can use my mobile data, the mobile data is secured. So it is not secured and open to anyone who wish to steal my information from my mobile data.

I'm glad I asked for a confirmation, I'm glad you replied, I would have thought it was safe to do banking with mobile data without VPN.