About 54% of computer users have admitted breaking the law, by using someone else's wireless internet access without permission, a new research from IT security and control firm Sophos said.
The research revealed that Internet users piggyback onto the internet without payment, through unsecured Wi-Fi connections.
According to Sophos, many internet-enabled homes fail to properly secure their wireless connection properly with passwords and encryption, allowing freeloading passers-by and neighbors to steal internet access rather than paying an ISP for their own.
In addition, while businesses often have security measures in place to protect the Wi-Fi networks within their offices from attack, Sophos experts note that remote users working from home could prove to be a weak link in corporate defences.
Sophos recommends that home owners and businesses alike set up their networks with security in mind, ensuring that strong encryption is in place to prevent hackers from eavesdropping on communications and potentially stealing usernames, passwords and other confidential information.