What are the risks of connecting into a public wireless network that has no network security key?
Answered By
jenipur
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#108759
Risks connecting public wireless network
Hello Charmaine Potter,
As an Internet savvy, I always want to feel updated with what's going on in the web every now and then, even when I'm out going to the mall. And when I check the connections for any WiFi, I always feel giddy when I find one and able to connect. But am I really sure if connecting to an unknown public wireless network is safe to use? To help answer your question, there is a simple answer to that:
Connecting to an unsecured public wireless network can be a venue to any data theft, especially passwords or private information (i.e. credit card information). A perfect example is how radios work. A radio doesn't send information to a particular direction, but it broadcasts to any direction that receives the airwaves. And because of this, anyone nearby can get a hold of the data sent by the radio. If it's unsecured, it can be read. Just like connecting to unsecured WiFi connections, anyone can pick up the data.
To avoid this, make sure that your Firewall is on. This will help guard your data from incoming attackers.Â
I hope I answered your question.
Risks connecting public wireless network
Hi Charmaine,
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It is really risky to connect to a public wireless network that has no security key and that is because of the fact that the network is open and anyone can connect to it wirelessly. Since, you will be on the same network with the rest there is a possibility that they can have access to your personal files. Especially now that everything is updated and new applications and software were developed. Just want to share with you an example. If you are using smart phone which is DLNA certified and other users on the network are also using smart phones that are DLNA certified, don’t you know that those users can have access to your files without you knowing. That is true. They can simply open any files saved on your phone (music, videos, and pictures) and that’s the risks.
Hope this helps 🙂
