Article after article, written by wifi "experts" claim that using an unsecure wifi connection is the most dangerous thing you can do when it comes to viruses or hackers. These articles often claim that the best measure for security is password protection. While this is true for home security; you password protect your home network, much like you turn on a home security system, what about public spaces like restaurants, cafes and bars?
Today, offering free wifi access is a loss-leader. This is a way to draw more customers into a business. Here is the misconception. The business has a password for their wireless router. They just gave you the password. They also gave the password to the customer behind you in the long dark trench coat, sunglasses and hat. As soon as you connect, BAM! He has your bank account information.
Offering the password to you Internet connection is the same as giving out the key to your home security system. In this instance a password is useless.
Instead of telling everyone to avoid free public wifi hotspots, what these "experts" should focus on is, does the network have encryption and isolation software.
Isolation software prevents other users from accessing any connected devices on the same network. Encryption software scrambles your information making it very dificult for hackers to identify and steal it. These can be found on wifi networks without passwords, such as my company, Free World Wifi (www.freeworldwifi.com).
As with everything, take precaution, including when using any Internet connection and also when listening to the self proclaimed "experts".
