Public Wi-Fi helps us stay connected no matter where we go. It’s convenient to use at a coffee shop, a neighborhood restaurant, or the airport, but how safe is it? Unfortunately, cyber criminals can log in to the same free network that you do and attempt to gain access to your devices and personal information.
“The Wi-Fi may be free, but that doesn’t mean your online activities are safe,” says Cheryl Lorei, a senior IT analyst at Erie Insurance who has worked in information security for more than 20 years. “The big concern with public Wi-Fi is that your information could be available to anyone on the network. It’s nothing against the businesses that offer free Wi-Fi, it’s just that they’re not in the business of keeping your personal information safe.”
Here are a few key things that you need know about public Wi-Fi security and how to protect your personal information.
Once your identity is stolen, it can be difficult to recover. “Unfortunately, you’re not going to be able to flip a switch to restore everything,” Lorei says. “It’s a smart move to do all you can to protect yourself.”
Insurance coverage is available for identity theft and fraud. With Erie Insurance’s Identity Theft Recovery Coverage, you’ll get help with the recovery process and coverage for expenses like charges for credit reports, lost wages, and even some legal fees. The cost of the coverage is low—about $20 a year—and it can be added to a home or renters insurance policy. Your local Erie Insurance agent can give you more information.
This story was originally posted in 2017. It was updated with new information in 2019.
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