Nearly 44 percent of Michiganders are willing to give up personal information for free WiFi, according to a survey by PCMag.com.
The tech website says this number is alarming.
With the online holiday shopping rush fast approaching, public WiFi hotspots are often a hacker's paradise.
“If you’re on an unsecured, public WiFi network, anyone could be watching your activity and potentially stealing your personal data,” said Max Eddy, a PCMag cyber security expert. “That’s where a VPN service comes in — when you switch it on, the VPN creates an encrypted, secure tunnel where your data can flow safely, and you can browse with peace of mind."
A VPN is a virtual private network that protects your personal information, credit card details and web traffic from hackers.
One out of four Michiganders agree they need a VPN to safely access public WiFi, but 41 percent expect the network to be free -- speed and price are keys factors if they consider purchasing a VPN, according to the survey.
For information on VPNs and safety online browsing, click here.
