Anytime something goes public, people start to worry about security. They worry about their sensitive information being broadcast across the airwaves for anyone to pick up. In addition, we talk a lot about "identity theft" in our society today because it is a real problem. Therefore, the idea of a public wi-fi is an area of concern for some people. Here are a few thoughts on the security of a wi-fi network and what it could mean to the average consumer.

TECHNOLOGY

I am not an expert on technology, but what I do know is that mankind makes it. Anything that is made by mankind is fallible and has the potential to be compromised. If someone wants to "hack" into your information through a public wi-fi, they probably can. Still, companies stand to make billions of dollars on a wi-fi system. Therefore, they are going to do everything in their power to build in enough encryption so that they don't get sued by millions of people who were robbed through the Internet. That doesn't mean a person shouldn't be careful, but it does mean that a certain level of security will be built into such a system.

PARALLELS

If we are going to evaluate a public wi-fi, we have to be honest and evaluate other systems that we use. In many ways we are worried about some infrastructures but take others for granted. For example, how do you know that someone isn't listening in on your phone calls? Do you think it is possible that you neighbor is taking advantage of that wireless hub you installed in your house? He is, enough yours is encrypted. Also, how do know it is safe to give the nice lady your credit card number over the phone when you call that catalog line? How do you know she isn't selling your number to a friend? We can drive ourselves crazy asking these questions. They are valid, but we also have use some measure of faith mixed with common sense.

Overall, I think the public wi-fi is going to be secure. As mentioned, if someone wants to get at my information badly enough, then I'm assuming they could find a way. The best thing people can do is use common sense, take precautions, and assume that not everything in life is truly safe.

Learn more about this author, Todd Pheifer.
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