Question

Why have the largest internet providers warned consumers not to purchase anything through public WiFi networks? Briefly discuss the history and background of the issue of WiFi Networks, and it’s current and future impact on the Network Security and Cryptography field.

Answer 1

There is a possibility that anyone near you could easily access your information if you use a WiFi network. The massive flaw found in WPA2, the encryption standard that secures all modern Wi-Fi networks.
The biggest threats with free Wi-Fi is the ability for hackers to position themselves between you and the connection point. So, instead of talking directly with the hotspot, you end up sending your information to the hacker. The hacker also has access to every piece of information you send out—emails, phone numbers, credit card information, business data, the list goes on. And once a hacker has that information, you’ve basically given them the keys to the kingdom.

Anyone setting in between can purchase, do transactions, copy passwords, otp etc on the behalf of Wi-Fi user.

The issue arises when businesses and other public places set up WiFi networks and don’t go to any extra effort to make sure they’re secure. It takes a little bit of time and effort to make them secure and [it’s] expensive, and requires people to put time and money into it. But unfortunately, without proper security precautions like a strong password, a time limit on WiFi use, and site-filtering software in place, many public WiFi networks are much more vulnerable to threats from hackers. This means that public WiFi is often not as safe as it could be, and its users might be paying the price.

Solution

Download a Virtual Private Network, or a VPN. If you’re on public WiFi all the time, a VPN will provide you with a degree of privacy, you’re in your own private world on that public WiFi network. It’s not a perfect solution, but it’s very helpful.”