WiFi (short for ‘wireless fidelity’) is the name commonly given to wireless networks that conform to the 802.11 specification laid down by IEEE [Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers]. WiFi provides for fast data transfer rates (up to 11Mbs) and has become increasingly popular in recent years. Today, many PCs and mobile devices are fitted with wireless cards that enable them to connect to a wireless network. WiFi has become a more common way of connecting to a network and wireless access points, or ‘hot spots’, can be found in businesses, homes, hotels, airports and even fast food outlets.

By design, no wires are required to connect to a wireless network. If the wireless network is unsecured, it can be accessed easily by hackers or other users wishing to obtain free Internet access: so-called ‘war driving’ or ‘war chalking’.