According to a recent U.S. survey conducted by PEW/Internet, some 34% of Internet users have logged on using a wireless Internet connection either at home, work, or through one of the many available Wi-Fi hotspots. The study shows a unique correlation to the wireless users’ activity and their usage of the Internet compared to those who connect using more traditional methods.

Of the samples taken, the majority of wireless users tend to be a Caucasian male, between the ages of 30-49, that have attended college, makes $75,000+ per year, and has broadband Internet access at their home.

“The convenience of wireless access gives people the chance to fire off a quick e-mail to someone while waiting in a doctor’s office or check the news headlines on the way to work,” said John Horrigan, associate research director at the Pew Internet Project.

The study concludes that those who use, or have used, a wireless Internet connection, tend to be more active in the virtual world; they check their e-mail and get their news online more frequently than those who connect via. wires through broadband and dial-up.

The survey also noted that the usage of wireless Internet has  doubled in just under 2 years from 10% in January 2005, to 20% in December 2006.

The sample was taken from over 2,300 U.S. adults, 18 and older; of these, 1,623 used the Internet, and 798 of those were asked about their wireless Internet habits. The margin of error for the wireless questions was 3.8% with 95% confidence.

The study failed to mention, however, the implementations of security in wireless connectivity. With the rapid growth of wireless technology, it would be naive to assume the dangers of wireless connectivity are just theoretical.

We’ve shown that Many tools  are available (even for palmtop devices) that will allow a user to tap into a nearby wireless network and possibly cause harm. Other wireless users, with the right tools, can even monitor your information including stealing passwords and viewing everything that you are doing across the Internet.

Related:

Entry was posted on Monday, February 26th, 2007 at 7:11 am under Internet, Security, Technology.

Read more entries by George Gardner.
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