article from: the hindu
Indians are sacrificing security for free connectivity: report©TheHindu |
About 96% Indians have potentially put their personal information at risk by using public Wi-Fi for checking bank accounts or sharing personal photos, according to a report by technology security firm Norton by Symantec.
Stating that consumers are unable to resist a strong, free Wi-Fi network, the report said consumers are willing to sacrifice security for free Wi-Fi. A majority, 73%, the ‘Wi-Fi Risk Report’ said, will do or swap something for a strong Wi-Fi signal. This includes watching a three-minute advertisement (35%), to something as critical as allowing access to personal emails (19%), personal photographs (22%), online dating profiles (16%), contact lists (19%) and giving permission to access and even edit personal social media profiles (19%).
“There is a deep divide between what people think is safe when it comes to using public Wi-Fi versus the reality,” Ritesh Chopra, country manager, consumer business unit, Symantec said.
‘Not so private’
“Indians are unable to resist access to a strong, free Wi-Fi network despite the risks. This is especially true while traveling, as Indians say access to a strong Wi-Fi network is a deciding factor when choosing a hotel (82%), transport hub (67%), which airline to fly (64 %) or place to eat (62 %),” it said.
The report surveyed more than 15,000 consumers in 15 countries. The Indian sample, however, reflects input from 1,000 Indian adults who use Wi-Fi. Data was collected between May 18 and June 5 by Research Now.
Global findings showed people were aware of the risks of public Wi-Fi, but were not necessarily changing their behaviour.
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