Free Public WiFi Virus

Even thought this is not a real computer virus, it poses a menace to notebook and mobile phone users. If this profile resides on your mobile phone, it will drain your mobile batteries as it stay active in the background and this "ad hoc" mode of 802.11. 

The reason is that when you connect to an ad hoc wifi net, you startsending out beacons yourself. Thus, if you connect to a "Free PublicWiFi" ad hoc network at the airport, then turn on your notebook or smart mobile phone, you’ll start advertising that you supply a "Free Public WiFi".Other people around greedily hope there is WiFi in the air, and will connectto your ad hoc network - they will get an error, but the profile already stays on the computer or handset. The next time they turn ontheir laptops, they will in turn advertise a "Free Public Wifi" thatyet more people will connect to. Thus, ad hoc SSIDs that advertise freeinternet services will quickly spread around.

This is a benign virus, of course, but it’s "viral" nonetheless.  So the next time you see this when you are searching for wireless network to connect to, do be tempted.

I saw this when I was strolling in a public park and trying to search for an internet connection on my Nokia E51.

You need to check that is Menu > Tools > Settings > Connection > Access points.  If  "Free Public WiFi" is listed there, you need to highlight "Free Public WiFi" and then press "Option" and select "Delete".

Updated On: 12.06.18