Originally published September 9, 2019. Restored to the blog in October 2026; the text is unchanged from the original.
Whether at home or at work, your wifi network is the gateway to the internet. While it lets your devices reach out into the world, it can also let hackers get into your network, potentially compromising your devices. Which means that the security of your wifi network is essential.
Having an open wireless network is a security risk. It allows anyone who is close enough to your router (e.g., a neighbor or someone war driving) to access your network.
You Must:
There are a number of security issues when you use Wi-Fi, namely open, public, and customer Wi-Fi networks. They are likely to be insecure.
Some business people genuinely want to share and provide a service to their customers. Others are ignorant about the possible outcomes or don’t have the ability to secure the networks, while others blatantly leave the networks open.
When you use these networks you have no way to make sure no one can intercept and read or modify your data. Additionally, someone else on the network may use the connection to attack your computer directly.
They may be selling your information as a “product” via data mining or advertising. Retailers may use it to track you while you’re in the store and know when you’re returning.
In some cases criminals will name their networks after businesses to get people to connect so they can steal their data.
Public Wi-Fi networks are not much safer and there is no level of assurance or legal obligation for them to secure your device or data
Remember that many time these open Wi-Fi networks are bastions for malicious intent. So be careful.
The information and content in this document is provided for informational purposes only and is provided “as is” with no warranty of any kind, either express or implied, including but not limited to the implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and non-infringement. We are not liable for any damages, including any consequential damages, of any kind that may result from the use of this document. The information is obtained from publicly available sources. Though reasonable effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the data provided, we make no claim, promise or guarantee about the completeness, accuracy, recency or adequacy of information and is not responsible for misprints, out-of-date information, or errors. We make no warranty, express or implied, and assumes no legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of any information contained in this document.
If you believe there are any factual errors in this document, please contact us and we will review your concerns as soon as practical.
© 2019 Craig Peterson. All Rights Reserved.
Join the owners who get Craig's Insider Notes every week.