Public Wi-Fi usage and identity theft: A correlational study

This non-experimental correlational study examined to what extent the use of public Wi-Fi- networks contributed to identity theft and examined whether age, gender, education level, or geographic location were contributing factors. These variables were examined through the lens of an Extended Technology Acceptance Model and the Routine Activity Model The primary purpose of this research was to add to the body of knowledge regarding identity theft and public Wi-Fi access. Secondly, this researcher sought to determine if the utilization of public wireless networks put individuals at an increased risk of identity theft. Finally, the intent was to further the body of knowledge on public Wi-Fi network security and identity theft. This research benefits information security professionals and owners of public Wi-Fi networks by illustrating occurrences of identity theft while connected to public Wi-Fi networks. This information allows information security professionals and public Wi-Fi network owners to better understand security risks and security protocol needs when configuring these networks. The correlation between public Wi-Fi network usage and identity theft based on age, gender, education level, and geographic location was examined throughout this research. The results indicated that age, gender, and geographic location all played a factor in the occurrence of identity theft while connected to public Wi-Fi networks. Furthermore, education level was not a statistically significant factor in the occurrence of identity theft while connected to public Wi-Fi networks. Recommendations for further research are to examine these variables from a qualitative research methodology and to examine the causal relationship between public Wi-Fi usage and identity theft based off of age, gender, and geographic location.