Starbucks is Not Free, Not Safe

Starbuck's offers wireless Internet access at thousands of locations.

The service is not free.

It is not safe.

Does Starbucks have a social responsibility to educate it's users and resolve the problem?

The Problem is Identify Theft

Identify theft is the loss of names and passcodes that allows hackers to gain control of user accounts. The well publicized cases normally address theft of databases containing millions of account records.

Wireless Internet access at hotspots using Wi-Fi exposes users to identity loss. The New York Times, San Jose Mercury News, and the Los Angeles Times have all reported on the problem. Although it is harder to prove, millions of users may have lost identity control - unknowingly.

Wi-Fi broadcasts data over a space that is one football field in length in every direction. Using no encryption or faulty encryption, the information can be easily gathered by hackers. Even though the Starbuck's service requires a log-in, the data is still encrypted and easily viewed by any hacker. It's not safe.

Technical personnel enjoy arguing the issue. For example, MetroFi, Google, and Earthlink publicists claim their networks are secured - referring to their wireless backhaul. AT&T and T-Mobile shift the responsibility to the users. The arguments simply confuse the public and hide the problem.

The reality is that Wi-Fi use at hotspots is not safe.

Why Starbuck's?

The Starbuck's wireless service is managed by T-mobile. McDonald's provides a service through AT&T Freedom Link. Thousands of restaurants provide unsecured service. Why should Starbuck's shoulder the blame for the problem?

Starbuck's has the largest footprint of wireless service. It is the most visible brand that is affiliated with wireless use at hotspots. When asked about hotspots, the majority of customers respond with Starbucks. Starbuck's is the leader. Leadership shoulders additional responsibilities.

Starbuck's provides a paid service that requires login. The false inference is that the login protects users. It does not.

Millions of customers assume that Starbuck's should be trusted. With wireless, the trust is misplaced. If Starbucks is to be trusted, then Starbucks should educate and solve the problem.

This is not Starbuck's legal responsibility. It is Starbuck's social responsibility.

Voice Your Opinion

Are you aware of the problem? Does Starbuck's have the social responsibility to resolve the problem? Voice your opinion.