Public Wi-Fi Use Grows, Despite Security Risks

Do public Wi-Fi services protect users' data? Are users concerned with network security of public Wi-Fi? A survey by Wi-Fi tech company Xirrus and cybersecurity expert Morgan Wright reveals that 91% believe public Wi-Fi is insecure but 89% throw caution to the wind and connect anyway.

The report says that, compared to 2015, this year public Wi-Fi users have increased significantly with 48% connecting at least thrice a week and 31% daily. Awareness for security is there and 70% are even willing to change hotels for better connection and security. But the need to be connected overcomes security concerns.

Users are aware of cyber threats, but 30% haven’t heard of ransomware even though a recent Symantec report says there were 56,000 ransomware infections in March alone this year.

The report highlights neglect of enterprises, which ignore cybersecurity training for staff even though they are accessing sensitive information in public. Around 46% of staff said they were not given security training in the past year and some 26% even said their employers do not recommend security measures during travel.

Read full survey report here.