The ability to take advantage of free Wi-Fi at a variety of public locations around the country comes at a price. With home or business wireless networking, a core group of trusted users are generally the only ones with access. Public Wi-Fi, however, is open to a wide circle of strangers in the same cafe , library, or other public place. If the Wi-Fi isn’t password protected, those strangers could be in the parking lot or even in a nearby building.
For those seated in that public place, it may seem impossible that someone would be able to access their private information without them being aware of it. But because your data is being sent through radio waves to a router, it can easily be intercepted by someone who has the right tools and knowledge.
How it’s done
There’s likely no limit to the ways hackers can come up with to access user information. Many hackers use software to intercept those signals, at which point they can see everything on a fellow free Wi-Fi user’s screen. This hacking software, called “sniffer software,” looks at traffic traveling to and from a wireless router to extract important information.
Another popular method used by hackers is to set up rogue Wi-Fi hotspots (A rogue access point is a wireless access point that has been installed on a secure network without explicit authorization from a local network administrator, whether added by a well-meaning employee or by a malicious attacker.) in areas where large numbers of users are likely to be searching for a connection. These hotspots can use generic names like “free Wi-Fi” to cause trusting users to connect, at which point their personal information can be collected.
What you can do
The best solution could come from companies like AT&T and T-Mobile, that serve as the largest providers of Wi-Fi in public locations. These companies do not currently encrypt Wi-Fi signals, even though doing so would help greatly in protecting consumers against fraud. However, each of these providers recommends users download their free encryption software when using a Wi-Fi router.
Of course, the best way to avoid one of these hacking attempts is to never use free Wi-Fi. For those who are regularly required to connect on the go, a Virtual Private Networking (VPN) account will encrypt communication, preventing interception. The cost is generally a minimal monthly fee and only requires a quick login after the user is connected to Wi-Fi to provide the additional safeguard.
A 4G-powered personal hotspot is another option for frequent travelers. This hotspot provides a user his or her own cellular connection, which can be set up to be secured by a password, just as a home Wi-Fi network is. This option generally costs more than many cell phone plans, however, so it may not be an option for users on a budget.
For those who must regularly use Wi-Fi, there are several steps you can take to keep hackers out. First, it’s important to clarify the name of a free Wi-Fi network before choosing to join it. If the network isn’t password protected, it might be a good idea to stay away. Lastly, when using public Wi-Fi, try to avoid logging into sites or entering information like credit card information or social security numbers. While this isn’t a guarantee that information won’t be compromised, it’s a good idea not to make the hacker’s job any easier.
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