Seven out of every ten Danes don’t check that their security settings are in order when logging on to public wifi networks, according to a new survey compiled by Epinion for tax consultants Deloitte.

The survey found that 68 percent of Danes who had logged on to a wifi network during the past year had forgotten to check their security settings.

“Wireless wifi networks have become a natural part of our digital everyday lives,” said Kim Schlyter, a data security specialist with Deloitte.

“We find them in cafes, trains and buses, stations – practically anywhere there are many people. It’s brilliant that one can easily and quickly go online, but you need to be more vigilant in regards to security.”

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Be on high alert
Logging on to a public wifi network without the necessary security leaves users easy prey for hackers to access personal data.

Schlyter contends it is important to take preventative measures in order to avoid being the victim of a hacker attack. Setting security settings to high alert when accessing public wifi is a good start.

“You have to remember to shut off the automatic login function so you decide yourself which networks to enter. That way you avoid other people gaining access to one’s personal data such as banking details, passwords or private emails,” said Schlyter.