Wi-Fi stands for Wireless Fidelity. It refers to the range of technologies for wireless data networking. Wireless data networking links computers (e.g., mobile devices) without wires (e.g., Internet cord). Secure Wi-Fi network refers to the use of passwords and secure encryption methods to send wireless data between a mobile device and the Internet connection point. There is more than one way to encrypt data. One method is Wi-Fi Protected Access-2 (WPA2). WPA-2 is the approved Wi-Fi Alliance interoperable implementation of the IEEE 802.11i security standard. The Mobile Device Privacy and Security subsection of HealthIT.gov discusses secure Wi-Fi networks in detail.
Watch a video in our series, Can You Protect Patients' Health Information When Using a Public Wi-Fi Network?. This video discusses privacy and security risks of transmitting health information in a public space using an unsecured public wireless Internet network.