What Is Free Public Wi-Fi?
Popular in coffee shops and airports, free public Wi-Fi provides a wireless Internet experience for on-the-go Web surfers. Although convenient, public Wi-Fi rarely uses data encryption to protect users' information, raising the specter of potential identity theft and breach of personal information. Those who wish to surf the Web through free public Wi-Fi should be cautious and observe a few basic security precautions.
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What It Is
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Free public Wi-Fi is Internet service provided within the area surrounding an 802.11 wireless access point. It does not provide an actual router connection; rather, it is an ad-hoc network, comprised of stations that receive and transmit data internally and not directly with the Internet.
How It Works
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A wireless access point makes its presence known to nearby devices through a process known as "beaconing." Any device within range of the wireless access point can lock on to this beacon and establish a connection. Since the service is public, no authentication or password is necessary.
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Dangers
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Users of free public Wi-Fi access points are at high risk for identity theft. Hackers can easily access personal information, bank accounts and credit card information as well as photographs, videos and personal contacts on your computer or smart phone. Also, hackers can set up bogus Wi-Fi access points, labeling them "free public Wi-Fi" as a way of luring in unwitting victims.
How to Protect Your Device
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The best way to prevent hackers from accessing the contents of your computer or smart phone is to avoid connecting to free public Wi-Fi. If you do free use public Wi-Fi, be sure to only visit websites using encryption. An encrypted website can be identified by its URL, which begins with "https://". Periodically check your network settings and delete "Free Public Wi-Fi" if it is listed as an option. Always log off from your personal accounts and close browser windows. It's also a good idea to use a different password for each of your accounts to prevent hackers from gaining total access in the event your identity is compromised. Consider an account with a virtual private network service provider if you frequently access public Wi-Fi.
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