In case you didn’t know, Motorola isn’t just about making phones. They’re in the tech business in many capacities, and it looks like they’re testing out Wi-Fi security. They recently conducted a survey on Chicago-area retailers. What they found were a number of security liabilities. Namely, unprotected networks that advertised their existence.
But, aren’t retailers supposed to advertise their Wi-Fi access as to attract customers? Apparently not, according to Richard Rushing, senior director of information security at Motorola’s mobile services division: It’s like sticking a big neon sign telling everyone, Here’s where I’m at.”
How can businesses draw people in with their Wi-Fi, yet elude hackers? I’m not quite sure. I’m pretty sure, though, that advertising your hotspot is pretty necessary if you want people to actually take advantage of it. For instance, if I’m walking down the streets of Queens and I see a coffee shop with no indication of Wi-Fi and a Starbucks, I’m going to Starbucks if I want to use the Internet. Yet, the coffee shop with no advertisement might in fact have Wi-Fi. But how would I know?
Perhaps these networks need to start hiding behind passwords. Even then, though, I’m sure hackers can find a way around. What I’m certain of is that businesses cannot afford to not advertise their Wi-Fi access if they want it to draw in customers.
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