How to securely connect to cPanels when using public library WiFi?

[magentawave]

When I use my phones hotspot I can connect to the cPanels for all of my sites. When I use the WIFI at the public library I get these error messages:

Error: Connection timed out after 20 seconds of inactivity
Error: Failed to retrieve directory listing

OR:

Error: Could not connect to server

***NOTE: The settings in Filezilla are the same for all of my sites.

The Encryption setting in Filezilla is "Use explicit FTP over TLS if available" for all of my sites. I assume there's something in the public libraries router that prevents me from connecting. However, if I change that setting to "Only use plain FTP (insecure)" then I can log into the cPanels. I'm using Hostgator.

QUESTION:

Any suggestions for how to make secure connections when using the public library's WIFI?

Thanks!

Screen Shot 2022-11-06 at 3.06.41 PM.png (40.99 KiB) Viewed 3822 times

[boco]

cPanel is a web-based service, you certainly don't connect to it using FileZilla. What you connect to is their FTP service they also offer.

About the public WiFi, it's probably blocking unknown traffic in general (targeting Tor and/or VPNs). Don't think you can (or are allowed to) get around that. Never ever access your hosting company from public hotspots, exactly as you never should do any banking. It is as unsafe as it can get.

[botg]

Never ever access your hosting company from public hotspots, exactly as you never should do any banking. It is as unsafe as it can get.

As long as you use enforce the use of encryption and actually do meticulously verify certificate and hostkey fingerprints if prompted to do so, it's perfectly safe to use a public hotspot for accessing your hosting services or doing banking. Even on a most compromised hotspot, they could at most see which services you are accessing. Something however that is absolutely unsafe is using a computer that is not your own.

[boco]

Of course, I referred to the non-encrypted stuff, as the OP seems to be blocked when using encryption. A big No-No for me.

[magentawave]

So the only way to FTP is to use my iPhones hotspot instead of the public libraries wifi?

[botg]

If the library's wifi is administered by a troglodyte, then yes, tether your computer to your phone instead.

[magentawave]

If the library's wifi is administered by a troglodyte, then yes, tether your computer to your phone instead.

Ok. Too bad cuz the libraries internet is insanely fast! Thank you.