Tyme Said

Wireless Internet connections are becoming more popular as “hot spots” are popping up at Starbucks and countless cafes, businesses and even parks, but many users don’t realize the risks they take every time they sign on. Even shopping at a retail store that uses a wireless network can put your personal information at risk.

That’s why County Executive Andy Spano is proposing a new law - the first of its kind among counties in the U.S. - to protect the public from crimes such as identity theft and other consumer fraud. The law, which was recently submitted to the Board of Legislators, would require Internet cafes as well as commercial businesses that use wireless networks to take basic security precautions to protect private customer information from potential data thieves and hackers. 

People don’t realize how easily their personal information can be stolen. All it takes is one unsecured wireless network,” Spano said. Your credit card number, social security number, bank account information - it’s all vulnerable if a business that collects that information hasn’t taken the proper steps to protect it. Somebody parked in the street or sitting in a neighboring building could hack into the network and steal your most confidential data.

Continue reading the proposed law here.

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