Public wifi puts users at risk

A cyber report has revealed that using public wifi in hotel lobbies and restaurants can put at risk for digital extortion and identity theft.

47 ABC spoke with Travis Fischer at Inacom Information Systems about this. He says very special equipment is used to pick up personal information. Anything transmitted from your phone, tablet, or laptop to the internet can be accessed.  He says any public location is likely to be targeted and the best practice to keep your information safe is to get a private server. 

Fischer continues, “Use a virtual private network from your laptop or your cell phone. You can subscribe to services that will provide it for you. If you’re technically savvy you could set up your own VPN.”

Fischer does note a VPN can cost about thirty dollars. He’s says another way to keep your information safe is to turn off your wifi and blue tooth capabilities.

If you do use public wifi, try to make any purchases or exchange private information through the internet.