Perhaps the single greatest advancement in computers has been the advent and development of hot spots. These are typically public locations such as coffee houses or restaurants that offer internet access via a wireless LAN (local area network). This is achieved by coupling a router to an ISP (Internet Service Provider). The concept dates from 1993 when it was first theorized at a conference. Since then, specifically during the dot com craze, the theory has become more than reality. Today there are free and paid hot spots throughout the country with several counties and cities planning to offer free internet access through the use of such technology.
The growth of hot spot technology has impacted more than just the users. Like many hot computer technologies, hot spots have spawned a growing industry. Companies to provide infrastructure, hardware and services have sprung up. By some estimates, more than 1000 patents are currently held by these participants.
Still, hot spots have the greatest effect on users. Technology has evolved to allow users to access the Internet via a hot spot by utilizing more than just a laptop. Mobile phones, iPads and similar equipment are all popular choices, so much so that recent statistics show more than 14 million wireless devices are sold each year – and they all have the ability to access the Internet via a wireless hot spot.
The system sounds like a ‘win-win’ for everyone, but there is at least one large concern – that of security. While some services do authenticate users, very few offer security for data transmissions. Packet sniffers, which allow ‘hackers’ to view network traffic, are also not typically guarded against. In fact, there are reported cases of ‘poison’ hot spots – those set up by individuals hoping to generate data streams that include personal identification information for the purpose of ID theft.
Hot spots are hot… and should be handled as such!