Internet Communications: EU set to launch thousands of free WiFi hotspots

The EU's top bodies have agreed to provide free internet access in thousands of cities and towns across Europe. The "WiFi4EU" bid would see public places, like parks and libraries, install EU-funded hotspots by 2020.

The free internet scheme would apply to all member states, officials said on Monday, after the EU parliament, the EU Council, and the EU Commission reached an informal agreement on the plan.

The plan would focus on places where connectivity is limited and for people who have trouble accessing the Internet otherwise. The so-called WiFi4EU initiative is part of a larger EU overhaul on communication.

"WiFi4EU is a welcome first step, but much more needs to be done to achieve high-speed connectivity across the whole EU territory," said Andrus Ansip, the EU Commission's vice president on Digital Single Market, according to the German DPA news agency.

According to the deal, the EU is set to fund the project with some 120 million euros ($133.6 million) over the next two years. This money would be used to support installation of "state-of-the-art" WiFi equipment for at least 6,000 to 8,000 local communities, the EU Commission said on its website.

Read  more: EU set to launch thousands of free WiFi hotspots | News | DW | 30.05.2017

Internet - Free WiFi: Surf Safe Tips While On “FREE Wi-Fi” - by Andrea Eldridge,

It seems every shop and gathering place proclaims “Free Wi-Fi,” but is it safe to check your email at the airport, library or McDonalds?  There are risks to accessing private data while connected to an unsecured, community network.  Here’s how to surf safely when you’re on public Wi-Fi.

When you access the Internet on a public network, your computer or Smartphone is at risk of being accessed by other users on the same network.  It’s surprisingly easy for the person sipping the Macchiato next to you to run simple programs to collect passwords and information entered by fellow patrons.

Most Wi-Fi “hotspots” are unencrypted since it’s a hassle to make every customer find out the day’s Wi-Fi password, meaning even if you’re alone in the store someone sitting in the parking lot could be connected to the network.

It may seem unlikely that your data will be hacked, and that’s probably true.  But just like you might be able to leave your car unlocked and never suffer a break-in, is it worth the risk?  Anyone who’s had their Facebook account hacked or banking password compromised can attest that it can take months or more to put your online identity back in order.

Luckily there are some easy steps you can take to protect yourself on public Wi-Fi.  Since logging on to a network gives other users on that network access to your shared folders, the first thing to do when you’re on a public network is to turn off sharing.  Windows users should navigate to the Control Panel, then Network and Internet.  Select the option to “Choose homegroup and sharing options” and then select “Change advanced sharing settings…” Turn off file and printer sharing and public folder sharing.  If you’re using a Mac, go to System Preferences and then Sharing.  Make sure all boxes are unchecked.

Consider also disabling network discovery as it prevents others from seeing your machine on the network.  You can re-enable it when you’re no longer logged on to a public network.

Read more: Surf Safe Tips While On “FREE Wi-Fi” | Business 2 Community

Internet - security: Smartphones increasing global cyber crime

The flaw in the smartphone is that it is too useful and too user friendly – for users who trade convenience for security.

They collect our emails, store our bank details, we tweet and use Facebook on them. They are our bank vault, our confidante, and our guide.

Criminals use Wi-Fi connection to harvest passwords and other sensitive data from smartphones or computers – often giving their Wi-Fi hotspots fake names familiar to punters at cafes and in airports.

Many smartphones are set up to automatically leap on to available Wi-Fi hotspots and start downloading emails.

Forty per cent of mobiles sold this year have been smartphones – and this has been a bumper year for malware developers who have focussed their attention on smartphones.

Those running Google’s Android system have been especially targeted.

Note EU-Digest: the first step to take is to get an anti-virus program for your smartphone to reduce the risk of being "zapped". There are even some reputable free ones available on the market. 

Travelers should be particularly wary of cyber threats on vacation as they access free wireless networks with their smartphones, tablets or laptops, says software security company Symantec Corp.

Read more: Smartphones increasing global cyber crime - Hindustan Times

Internet: Airports which provide free WIFI services popular - Listing of airports with free WIFI

Many airports around the globe are now providing free Internet WIFI connections to traveler. Given the ever increasing use of  Internet based communications travelers are scheduling trips whenever possible via airports providing a variety of amenities including free WIFI services.

Click here for a listing of airports which provide free WIFI services. Every attempt is made to keep this Directory accurate. If you want to Add or Remove a Free Wi-Fi location please fill out the Form

Read more: free wi-fi Airports