First Foreign WiFi

goodValue

VPN programmes secure the communications over the wifi but some apps will identify that the request is coming via VPN and block it because they cannot fully identify the user...

Will the VPN protect against all the security issues associated with WiFi?

onomatopoeia99

400ixl said:

TadleyBaggie said:

As long as the website is using HTTPS, everything is encrypted from your device to the server. 

And? that doesn't mean a piggy in the middle attack has not happened on the local wifi.

That also requires the device connecting to the wifi to be compromised into accepting a self-signed certificate generated by the MITM's CA, which won't chain back to a trusted root.  You can't decrypt HTTPS traffic simply by intercepting it in transit.

RumRat

The WiFi abroad will be no less secure than your library WiFi. Banking apps are encrypted end to end. If you are overly worried get a mobile provider that allows your data to be used abroad as it is in the UK. 
I've used my banking app via data and WiFi many times abroad without problems. 
If you have to log in via a browser to your banking as opposed to the app then, as suggested, a VPN would be essential.

mgfvvc

goodValue said:

Will the VPN protect against all the security issues associated with WiFi?

It should, as long as you can trust the VPN. For the truly cautious/paranoid an unknown VPN provider is as much of a risk as an unknown wifi provider.

goodValue

I'm beginning to realize there are many ways to login to the bank account, with different combinations of device (mobile phone, tablet, laptop, cybercafe machine) and communication method (mobile data, WiFi, hard wired, app versus browser, and with and without VPN).

Why is a  mobile app so secure that you can login with only a 4 digit pin?