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San Francisco's plan to offer affordable wireless Internet connections may make it easier for computer hackers to spy on users and steal personal information.

That's the consensus of computer security experts, who say that the city's ambitious effort to get all residents online - potentially for free - could be more risky for users than traditional Web access.

The problem with wireless Internet connections - called Wi-Fi - is that the onus is largely on consumers to protect themselves, they said. But many Wi-Fi users fail to take precautions out of laziness or ignorance, putting themselves in danger of their personal information being stolen.

"The FBI views wireless networks as very insecure," said LaRae Quy, a spokeswoman for the FBI's Northern California office. "Software allows you to set up security, but most people leave it open."

"It only takes a few extra steps to make it secure," she added. "But even it you take the extra steps, a skilled hacker can get into the system."
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Read More / Source: SFGate