What are the risks of connecting to a public wireless network?

The biggest risk  involved is, your network will be hacked.

 

Well, if you have properly options set on your pc then there is on more risk, but if you have not set options properly than they can access few things from our pc.

hackers will enjy

There could be chances of data being stolen from your device.

IT will be more helpful for the hackers to hack our data and security system easily.

the administer of the network can get access to all your activity on network

Hackers will enjoy a lot if it happens and your works can be assessed by everyone.

Public wireless networks are convenient, but if they are not properly secured, connecting to one might be risky. Whenever possible, only connect to wireless networks that require a network security key or have some other form of security, such as a certificate.

The information sent over such networks is encrypted, which can help protect your computer from unauthorized access. In the list of available wireless networks, each network is labeled as either security-enabled or unsecured. If you do connect to a network that is not secure, be aware that someone with the right tools can see everything that you do, including the Web sites you visit, the documents you work on, and the user names and passwords you use.

You should not work on documents or visit Web sites that contain personal information, such as your bank records, while you are connected to that network.

Please check the below link for better understanding of the disadvantages of using public wireless network.

http://www.net-security.org/secworld.php?id=9991

be aware that someone with the right tools can see everything that you do, including the Web sites you visit, the documents you work on, and the user names and passwords you use.

It will not good for your privacy. Other can access your information.

A public wireless network or Wi-Fi is a potential paradise for unethical hackers and schemers since these networks are not secured. Use one only if you must, then too whenever you are connected to a public network, refrain from using this connection to make online purchases requiring use of credit cards, viewing your bank statements or making online money transactions from your bank accounts. Even though these accounts are password protected, since the network is not secure, someone with the right tools and knowledge can easily view what you are doing online and also view all the websites that you are visiting and may use this knowledge to extract your important details and may result in identity theft or duping you to monetory losses!

Also, it is equally important that you refrain from giving out your personal information such as name and address, telephone numbers etc. in any way while using free network.

 

The links that I want to share with you are as below:

http://www.zdnet.com/news/hidden-dangers-of-free-public-wifi/149778

http://support.gateway.com/s/software/microsof/vista/7515418/7515418su496.shtml