WiFi security not a huge concern for most travellers: Study
Almost 25 per cent of travellers say that they are not at all concerned about security when using WiFi in an airport or on a plane, according to a recent survey by the GO Group, LLC, an international ground transportation provider. However, 48 per cent said they were somewhat concerned.
Only 19 per cent of the 293 respondents were very concerned while nine per cent said they never thought about their security while online at airports on planes. “Travelers need to be aware that it is not overly difficult for criminals to steal personal information when people use WiFi networks in public spaces,” said John McCarthy, president of The GO Group. “All thieves need is a battery powered hotspot,” he added.
Three per cent of survey participants said they have had personal information stolen while using WiFi in an airport or on a plane. Twenty-eight per cent said they did now know whether or not they have had information stolen. Several respondents expressed that they didn’t have information worth stealing.
“Using common sense and taking active measures, such as verifying the full name of the WiFi network, turning off file sharing, only using sites with HTTPS encryptions and not conducting online financial transactions can go a long way in protecting sensitive information,” said McCarthy.
The GO Group, LLC is the nation’s largest airport transportation provider, offering shared rides, private vehicles, sedans, charters and tours, serving some 90 airports in North America, Mexico, the Caribbean and Europe and transporting more than 13 million passengers per year.