Recently the DefCon cyber security and hacker conference took place in Las Vegas and one journalist has learned that there really is no such thing as total security on the Internet. Yes, there are many security measures that can be taken to lower your chances of being hacked, however, the fact of the matter is, you’re still very susceptible to being a victim of a cyber hack.

“Hack after hack has stolen sensitive personal information such as credit card numbers and Social Security numbers — information that can be used to steal identities — and other data that could possibly compromise confidential military information,” said Laura Hautala of CNET.

“There’s no better time to step up your security game than just before heading to Defcon, an annual congregation of hackers in Las Vegas. It’s a great testing ground, because hacking is sport here.”

Hautala recounted the warning she received from the organizers of the conference. She was told that the wireless internet at DefCon would be “profoundly hostile” in their words. Hautala did admit that she wasn’t a security expert but felt it necessary to turn off all wireless communications and even used a different laptop rather than her personal devices. Then came the learning process and the harsh truth that the world is beginning to come to terms with.

Wi-Fi has been revealed to be one of the most unsafe methods of internet access. Many consumers tend to use Wi-Fi networks to avoid going over their cell phone carriers allotted monthly amount. It might be saving you from paying a penalty but it can also be a gateway to hackers who are just waiting to acquire Wi-Fi signals.

“What’s more, the hackers here at DefCon are almost blase about these sorts of everyday hacks,” said Hautala.

“Topics I’ve already discussed or plan to learn about from experts in the next couple of days include hacked satellites, hacked military rifles, hacked medical devices, hacked cars, and hacked computers that aren’t even connected to the Internet.”

Hautala’s experience seemed both enlightening, terrifying and served as a bit of a warning to everyone who owns a device that requires internet access or that is controlled by a computer chip.

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