During tax season and beyond, it is hard to go a day without seeing a sign for free public WiFi at a local coffee shop, library, restaurant, airport, hotel, train station and countless other locations. No matter where we go, WiFi is around us. While having instantaneous and constant access to wireless hotspots can be convenient, they also come with dangers and risks. Have you ever asked yourself whether you are protected against hackers and threats when using public WiFi?
Despite the fact that they transmit sensitive information while using public WiFi, there are potential online security risks that people recognize. The top concerns include identity theft (88%), compromised accounts (76%), and fraudulent tax filings (39%).
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) like PRIVATE WiFi protects you when you access public WiFi by encrypting everything you send and receive—including web traffic, emails, and IMs. PRIVATE WiFi uses the same technology employed by your bank or your credit card company to keep your data safe, while you are connected to public WiFi. By rerouting your data through an encrypted server in another location, you stay anonymous.
The survey also asked about preferences and attitudes towards VPN technology. U.S. adults who don’t already use a VPN said they would purchase one if it were affordable (45%), if they had more information overall (30%), or if their identity were compromised (24%).
The results of the Harris Poll reveal that the public needs to know just how easy it is for hackers to steal their private and sensitive information out of thin air. VPN technology can protect them, and it’s an easy, affordable solution. But they shouldn’t wait until after their identity has been stolen to seek protection. Instead, they should do so pre-emptively to avoid the inherent threats of being put in a compromising position—such as identity theft—that could happen when using a free WiFi hotspot.