Traditional open Wi-Fi networks, like those in cafes, airports and hotels, use no encryption at all. Anyone nearby with a capture tool can read unencrypted traffic between clients and the AP. Captive portals and passphrases printed on a wall do not really fix this: a portal only controls access, and a shared passphrase known to everyone provides little protection against someone else in the room.
Free account
Keep reading for free
Create a free StudyToCert account to read the rest of this lesson: 5 more sections, 3 key terms, a real-world example, an exam tip and self-check questions. Every lesson, lab and practice test is free with an account.