BBC's consumer advice show Watchdog has uncovered just how vulnerable users of public Wi-Fi spots could be. Wi-Fi networks managed by BT Openzone Archives

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.

Necessary

Always Enabled

Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.

Cookie	Duration	Description
cookielawinfo-checkbox-advertisement	1 year	Set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin, this cookie records the user consent for the cookies in the "Advertisement" category.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics	11 months	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional	11 months	The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary	11 months	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others	11 months	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance	11 months	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
CookieLawInfoConsent	1 year	CookieYes sets this cookie to record the default button state of the corresponding category and the status of CCPA. It works only in coordination with the primary cookie.
viewed_cookie_policy	11 months	The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.

Functional

Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.

Cookie	Duration	Description
__atuvc	1 year 1 month	AddThis sets this cookie to ensure that the updated count is seen when one shares a page and returns to it before the share count cache is updated.
__atuvs	30 minutes	AddThis sets this cookie to ensure that the updated count is seen when one shares a page and returns to it before the share count cache is updated.

Performance

Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.

Cookie	Duration	Description
__jid	30 minutes	Disqus sets this cookie to remember the user's Disqus login credentials across websites that use Disqus.

Analytics

Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.

Cookie	Duration	Description
at-rand	never	AddThis sets this cookie to track page visits, sources of traffic and share counts.
disqus_unique	1 year	Set to record internal statistics for anonymous visitors.
uvc	1 year 1 month	addthis.com sets this cookie to determine the usage of addthis.com service.
_ga	1 year 1 month 4 days	Google Analytics sets this cookie to calculate visitor, session and campaign data and track site usage for the site's analytics report. The cookie stores information anonymously and assigns a randomly generated number to recognise unique visitors.
_gat_gtag_UA_*	1 minute	Google Analytics sets this cookie to store a unique user ID.
_ga_*	1 year 1 month 4 days	Google Analytics sets this cookie to store and count page views.
_gid	1 day	Google Analytics sets this cookie to store information on how visitors use a website while also creating an analytics report of the website's performance. Some of the collected data includes the number of visitors, their source, and the pages they visit anonymously.
__gads	1 year 24 days	Google sets this cookie under the DoubleClick domain, tracks the number of times users see an advert, measures the campaign's success, and calculates its revenue. This cookie can only be read from the domain they are currently on and will not track any data while they are browsing other sites.

Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.

Cookie	Duration	Description
IDE	1 year 24 days	Google DoubleClick IDE cookies store information about how the user uses the website to present them with relevant ads according to the user profile.
loc	1 year 1 month	AddThis sets this geolocation cookie to help understand the location of users who share the information.
skimGUID	10 years	Set by Slimlinks, this cookie is a unique identifier provided to each device for log analysis to determine the number of unique users for various parts of skimresources.com.
test_cookie	15 minutes	doubleclick.net sets this cookie to determine if the user's browser supports cookies.
_ir	session	This is a Pinterest cookie that collects information on visitor behaviour on multiple websites. This information is used on the website, in order to optimize the relevance of advertisement.
__gpi	1 year 24 days	Google Ads Service uses this cookie to collect information about from multiple websites for retargeting ads.

Others

Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.

Cookie	Duration	Description
wp_api	past	Description is currently not available.
wp_api_sec	past	Description is currently not available.
xtc	1 year 1 month	Description is currently not available.

NASA spacecraft attempts closest-ever approach to Sun, ChatGPT search tool open to manipulation?

Open AI whistleblower dies, Is Apple working on smart doorbell?

Hackers stole $2.2bn of crypto this year, AI can distinguish between US and Scottish whiskies

Apple urged to scrap AI feature, ChatGPT joins WhatsApp

Illegal online casinos using Roblox, Apple working on foldable laptop, phone?

Social Media firms given ‘last chance’ in UK, MG to launch semi-solid-state EV in 2025

Tag: BBC’s consumer advice show Watchdog has uncovered just how vulnerable users of public Wi-Fi spots could be. Wi-Fi networks managed by BT Openzone

Public Wi-Fi hotspots leave users vulnerable to hackers