Beware: 'Free Public WiFi' is not a true network

BANGALORE, INDIA: Be it a shopping mall, coffee shop, library, park or aiport, 'Free Public WiFi' is available for everyone everywhere on the go.

However, if you are thinking of clicking it or have been using it, then think twice before doing so, again.

Also Read: 802.11ac/ad to be predominant WiFi tech soon

A report in NPR explains that a public WiFi network is not a true network. People take it for granted that a 'Free Public WiFi' connects to Internet via a router or hotspot. However, 'Free Public WiFi' is an 'ad hoc', a Windows XP bug, that connects to someone else's system in that area.

The article also explains how the network works.

"When a computer running an older version of XP can’t find any of its “favorite” wireless networks, it will automatically create an ad hoc network with the same name as the last one it connected to — in this case, “Free Public Wi-Fi.” Other computers within range of that new ad hoc network can see it, luring other users to connect."

Although Microsoft is aware of the issue and claims to have eliminated the network in its latest versions of Windows, Windows XP Service Pack 3, not many have updated their computers. This issue has been fixed in Windows XP SP3, Windows Vista, and Windows 7 also.

So, now on if you come across 'Free Public WiFi', resist the urge to click and stop the virus from spreading.