Why is wifi unsecured

At a basic level, this may just be for personal gain, with unwanted visitors capitalizing on the free bandwidth. On a more sinister level, multiple sign-ons from unauthorized visitors could potentially overload the system by exceeding bandwidth limitations or the capabilities of network hardware, in a form of DoS attack. Though clearly, the dangers of using unsecured Wi-Fi are many, there are some measures that users can take to ensure their safety. Keeping in mind that identity theft is one of the prime movers for Wi-Fi hacking, take steps to broadcast as little information about yourself and your resources, as possible.

Check the privacy settings on your device, and turn off any file sharing features that could give cyber-criminals free access to your public folders. You should restrict the kinds of information you keep in such folders, in any case. Typically used for identifying compatible printers nearby, these settings also allow any devices including those of snoops and hackers on the network to locate yours. There are options that may be set on a site by site basis look out for Facebook, as sessions may start with HTTPS but switch to open transmission unless you specify Secure Browsing in your security options.

An open network from a business allows customers to use the Internet in the establishment -- such as patrons of a coffee shop using the network to work. An open network in a home comes from a router that hasn't been secured. Sometimes this is unintentional, if the owner doesn't know that her network is open. However, an unsecure wireless connection isn't always bad. Some experienced users opt to leave their Wi-Fi open for the public to access, with proper security precautions to protect their data and bandwidth.

Although there's a certain nobility in sharing your Wi-Fi with your neighborhood, there's also a danger in it. Unscrupulous users sometimes cruise around looking for unsecure wireless connections to exploit -- such as the arrest of a man after someone else used his open wireless to download child pornography. While it's an extreme example, other risks are hackers snooping on data sent over your network and using your network to access your computer's files and system information.

Having users on your Wi-Fi also uses your bandwidth, which can become costly if your ISP charges for bandwidth overages. Every router has some wireless security features built into the settings. As such, your company may be liable for any penalties these crimes may incur, even when none of your legitimate users did the crimes. Hosting unsecured Wi-Fi also endangers the data stored on your company's computers. Any unauthorized users will be able to access unsecured resources on your computer network, including the data on any connected computers.

Without proper intrusion safeguards, sensitive corporate information can be stolen. Viruses and other malicious software can also be introduced to the network.

Security Issues Relating to Internet Banking. Share on Facebook. Unsecured Wi-Fi An unsecured Wi-Fi connection is one that utilizes no security encryption whatsoever. Login Information Interception A major risk of connecting to an unsecured Wi-Fi connection comes from using services that require login information. Sensitive Information Interception The same interception risk for login info also applies to other data transmitted over an unsecured Wi-Fi connection. Bandwidth Theft If your company is operating an unsecured Wi-Fi, you also risk bandwidth theft.