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Dec 04, 2008 -- Security breaches likely when using free wifi

Is that free wifi you're surfing on at the airport or the coffee shop really secure? Forbes reports there's a nearly 75% chance that it's not.

The single worst location for wifi compromises was Newark Airport. Out of all the networks they scanned in that particular airport, only 9% of them were secure. See Forbes' complete tally of results for some of the nation's most popular airports.

So what can you do about it? Simple -- don't under any circumstances visit the website of your bank, credit union and brokerage house or mutual-fund company when using a free wifi connection while you're out and about. The risk is just too great.

Unfortunately, Clark won't be able to answer any questions submitted via commenting. If you have a question, please try posting it to our message boards.

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What others are saying

  • Security on WiFi
    Is it safe to use an iPhone to check my bank account or pay my bills with my I-Phone?
    By Sarah @ 09/13/09 11:56:14 PMreport abuse
  • Broadband Wireless
    Thanks Tom & Eric!
    By Dave @ 12/19/08 08:17:04 PMreport abuse
  • wi fi
    Dottie, wi fi stands for wireless fidelity
    By Kelly @ 12/16/08 10:23:32 AMreport abuse
  • Broadband, Cellular Network Banking
    Any curious teen using a variety of blue tooth spyware available for download on the Internet can capture your cell data, including Internet use, text messages, calls, copy and transfer files, can make and receive calls and text messages from your phone, etc. And the more attuned hacker can sniff your data stream while you think you are in a secure environment. I never do any financial or banking over anything wireless... just to be safe!
    By Eric @ 12/16/08 08:35:35 AMreport abuse
  • Verizon Broadband
    Dave, it's much more secure. Your communications, while not super-duper secure with cellular data communications, are much harder to crack.

    Personally I wouldn't have any qualms about accessing sensitive sites from a cellular data network.

    Can it be snooped? Yes. Is it as easy as snooping into unsecured wi-fi sites? No way! Any two-bit hacker wanna be kid can snoop unsecure wi-fi, but it takes a dedicated and knowledgeable person to get into the cellular networks, data or voice.
    By Tom Servo @ 12/16/08 02:49:09 AMreport abuse
  • Verizon Broadband
    I use a verizon broadband connection that I pay a monthly fee to use. I'm wondering if it is more secure than a free wifi site. Does anyone know?
    By Dave @ 12/15/08 08:18:06 PMreport abuse
  • Don't go to HTTPS sites!
    Any Linux user with a wireless card can sniff passwords on secure websites just as easily. Go with HotSpot Shield or a VPN and rest easy.
    By Willie @ 12/15/08 07:05:50 PMreport abuse
  • What does wifi stand for.
    It helps to know what the cyber language means to know what exactly everyone is talking about. Excuse my ignorance please.
    By Dottie @ 12/15/08 04:16:51 PMreport abuse
  • I agree with Clark
    HTTPS, or no HTPPS, as much as I seek out WiFi in my travels, I would NEVER visit my bank's site over a public network.

    Good advice, Clark.
    By aristoggle @ 12/15/08 12:47:09 PMreport abuse
  • Is free wifi secure?
    Free wifi (perhaps all wifi) should ALWAYS be considered insecure. Any sensitive communication or information that you do on a wifi network should be done over HTTPS. (i.e. websites that show you the lock in your browser bar)

    Of course, if a wifi network is truly compromised by a hacker, they could even fake that by setting up phishing sites that use HTTPS - so be careful. If in doubt, it's probably best to follow Clark's advice and not do financial stuff on free wifi.
    By Jeremy Haile @ 12/15/08 12:46:05 PMreport abuse
  • hotspot shield
    Great link/download for the free VPN. A VPN basically encrypts your data. I'll have to give it a shot. Thanks again. If it works, is fast, and the ads aren't too annoying, I'd recommend it to all readers. Hopefully it's something that can be toggled on/off. If anyone else uses this, please post and let us know the ins/outs of the program and your opinion of it.
    By dan @ 12/08/08 01:31:56 PMreport abuse
  • HTTPS on open WIFI
    The whole point of the Forbes' article is that you should ONLY use HTTPS sites from an open WIFI connection.

    As Clark doesn't understand he went a little crazy saying NOT to do online banking when in fact this is the only acitivity that is probably safe.
    By CyberCSI @ 12/05/08 04:01:07 PMreport abuse
  • HotSpot Shield
    Download and install HotSpot Shield from AnchorFree to create a VPN between your computer and the access point. You have to put up with some ads, but this will help secure your computer when use free wifi. You could install the "AdBlock" extension in firefox to get rid of the ads.
    http://www.anchorfree.com/downloads/hotspot-shield/
    By Paul @ 12/05/08 09:08:15 AMreport abuse
  • Free Wi-Fi
    Often, if you are in a crowded place and find a network called "Free Wi-Fi," it is actually a virus on somebody else's laptop, and it will infect yours if you connect to it!
    By Michael Covington @ 12/04/08 08:09:52 PMreport abuse
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