Recent Security Failure Highlights the Importance of Protecting Wi-Fi Connections

Oct 9
08:48

2012

Francis A. Hamer

Francis A. Hamer

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Those who are familiar with online privacy issues are aware of a recent incident. A popular website claims to have accidentally recorded many unsecured personal Wi-Fi networks.

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Those who are familiar with online privacy issues are aware of a recent incident.  A popular website claims to have accidentally recorded many unsecured personal Wi-Fi networks.  While this specific situation will resolve,Recent Security Failure Highlights the Importance of Protecting Wi-Fi Connections Articles it highlights an important security threat.  Over the past several years, there has been talk about the need for a VPN when using Wi-Fi.  However, the recent controversy demonstrates just how easy it is to collect someone's personal information if they are not protected.

 

A Quick Overview of the Controversy

 

A popular website sent cars across the UK to take pictures. They used GPS to associate the photos with locations.  They got in trouble in the UK when it was discovered they had collected a variety of personal information from unsecured Wi-Fi networks.  While the website claims it was just a mistake, it highlights how easy it is to steal information via Wi-Fi connections.

 

What People Should Learn from This

 

There are a number of lessons which can be taken from this incident.  They illustrate the need for a secure Internet connection.  When using Wi-Fi, the easiest way to do this is by relying on a quality VPN service provider.

 

Threats Are Everywhere; A VPN Can Help

 

The biggest lesson to learn is that threats are everywhere.  Traditional advocates of VPNs focus primarily on free Wi-Fi hotspots.  While using a VPN at Wi-Fi hotspots is beneficial, it doesn’t protect the user on other networks.  For a user to truly protect their data, a VPN should be used for every wireless connection – even connections at home.

 

The Need to Protect Data with a VPN is at an All-Time High

 

The need to protect data is more important than ever.  While Internet access has made everyday life much easier, it is also made protecting personal data more difficult.  Using a VPN connection is the only way to know that the data being transmitted wirelessly is encrypted and cannot be tampered with.  A VPN also provides numerous benefits related to online privacy as well.

 

Accidental Data Collection is This Easy

 

The website claims that this data collection was accidental.  If accidental data collection is this easy then how exposed are people to actual attackers?  Personal data is more valuable than ever to identity thieves and hackers.  A VPN provides multiple layers of protection against accidental data collection, personal information collection, and hackers trying to inject malicious code into the data stream.

 

Personal data collection and theft is more prevalent and easier than ever before.  This makes it essential for people to use technologies such as VPN connections to provide additional layers of security. This is important at free Wi-Fi hotspots and while browsing the Internet from the comfort of one’s home.