Free Wi-Fi warning: Emails, usernames, passwords at risk?

CHICAGO (WLS) -- The ABC7 I-Team first warned users in June about the risks of using free public Wi-Fi hotspots. Hackers can gain access to private information by either hopping on to unsecure networks or creating phony "man in the middle" Wi-Fi spots.

An expert on GMA illustrated how emails, usernames, passwords and pictures could be compromised. To protect themselves, consumers should avoid banking other personal websites while on the free Wi-Fi, and make sure file sharing settings are set to private and not public.

A Wi-Fi trade association said that hotspots are "capable of strong security" and "there is a low risk of a problem. . ."