Why Using Free WiFi in Public Places Puts Your Credit at Risk

Many people today use free WiFi connections when they are at the coffee shop, the bookstore and other public locations.  However, most people do not realize just what a risk it can be to use public WiFi, especially when it comes to their credit.  

 

Unencrypted WiFi

 

How can using the web in a public space compromise your credit?  Unfortunately, it is quite simple for thieves and hackers to get your important personal information and credit information.  Most free public WiFi is unencrypted, meaning you don’t need a password to use it.  This means that theoretically, hackers can break into anyone else’s computer nearby which is sharing their free WiFi connection, as all of the computers are connected as a local network via the WiFi.

 

Access Bank Accounts

 

So how do they use this to get your data?  Many use entirely legal (if unethical) programs to track your movements on the web and record the cookies related to your Internet surfing.  They will then be able to use that information to access your bank accounts and get your credit card information.  This will make it easy for them to steal from you, run up bills and ruin your credit. 

 

Repairing Damage

 

It can be very difficult for people to prove that they are the victims of this kind of theft, and it can take a long time to repair credit damaged in this manner.  The law is starting to come around to recognize forms of electronic identity theft, such as WiFi hacking, but some of the courts have not quite caught up with all the new forms of technology available today that didn’t even exist five years ago.  Today, many websites are encrypted to protect your data, but not all of them are.  However, there are a few tools you can use to protect yourself against theft.

 

Use Protected Websites

 

For starters, make sure that you always use sites that encrypt data.  It is easy to tell what sites are encrypted thanks to a lock icon that appears in the web browser, at the far left on the address bar.  When using online banking, make sure that the address in the bar reads “Https://” (secure service) rather than plain old “Http://” (unsecured).

 

Use Security Software

 

You should also make sure that you always have security software installed and running on your laptop, and that everything is up to date.  Run updates at least once a week to protect yourself against the very latest hacker tools.  The best free security software is AVG, available for free at their website.  Paid services that offer a lot more bells and whistles are Norton and McAfee.  You can download these software packages online, but you can sometimes get them cheaper by buying them at your local electronics store

 

You might also want to get a paid wireless card rather the relying on free service.  It may cost you a few extra dollars, but think of it as insurance for your credit and info.

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