{"id":16421,"date":"2025-11-02T13:29:25","date_gmt":"2025-11-02T19:29:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/1reason.com\/re\/new-report-reveals-consumers-distrust-of-public-wifi-highlights-need-for-secure-business-networks\/16421\/"},"modified":"2025-11-03T07:29:25","modified_gmt":"2025-11-03T13:29:25","slug":"new-report-reveals-consumers-distrust-of-public-wifi-highlights-need-for-secure-business-networks","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/1reason.com\/re\/new-report-reveals-consumers-distrust-of-public-wifi-highlights-need-for-secure-business-networks\/16421\/","title":{"rendered":"New Report Reveals Consumers\u2019 Distrust of Public WiFi, Highlights Need for Secure Business Networks"},"content":{"rendered":"
, Oct. 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Research by Kinetic Business, a leading fiber internet provider, recently uncovered a major concern among consumers for their online safety when using free, public WiFi networks, often offered at businesses and public locations, highlighting the need for more secure networks in these locations. <\/p>\n

The Kinetic Business Digital Safety & Privacy report surveyed 436 respondents across 18 states and found more than half of consumers (57%) don\u2019t feel safe when using a public or business WiFi, while only 17% of consumers feel safe (24% neutral).<\/p>\n

The data underscores the need for businesses to implement secure guest WiFi networks, especially as two thirds of consumers (67%) now report beingmore cautiouswith their personal data today. Additionally, increased customer education and awareness would go a long way with this public perception, according to Kinetic.<\/p>\n

\u201cConsumers are telling us loud and clear that public WiFi feels risky, and their level of distrust will only continue to grow. Providing a fast connection isn\u2019t enough; customers are looking for public networks that are secure and protect their privacy by design,\u201d said Ric Chura, chief information officer of Uniti, parent company of Kinetic Business. \u201cKeeping customers safe isn\u2019t just an IT task; it\u2019s foundational to trust, loyalty, and the overall experience.\u201d<\/p>\n

The report found that when it comes to third-party companies handling their personal data, consumers\u2019 sense of safety is directly correlated with perceived control and accountability. Trust erodes when consumers lack the ability to have a say in how\u2014and where\u2014data is being collected and used.<\/p>\n

Respondents indicated they don\u2019t feel safe when their data is handled by specific entities that feel distant and beyond their influence. Margins ranged from at least roughly 2-to-1, to as big as 6-to-1.<\/p>\n

Examples of these entities include:<\/p>\n