Wi-Fi público en el tejido urbano: Revisión de riesgos de seguridad, percepción de usuarios y estrategias de protección

José de Jesús Franco Romero; Diego Nápoles Franco; Aarón Jiménez Govea

doi:10.65937/ciudadglocal.2025.12.v1.n2

Authors

José de Jesús Franco Romero Universidad de Guadalajara Autor/a https://orcid.org/0009-0005-5192-5921
Diego Nápoles Franco Universidad de Guadalajara Autor/a https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8637-1325
Aarón Jiménez Govea Universidad de Guadalajara Autor/a https://orcid.org/0009-0008-1429-1925

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.65937/ciudadglocal.2025.12.v1.n2

Keywords:

Public Wi-Fi, Cybersecurity, Urban fabric, User behavior, Resource preservation heuristic, Digital infrastructure

Abstract

This article presents a literature review on public Wi-Fi networks as an integral element of the contemporary urban fabric. It analyzes documented security risks, user behavior towards these risks, and available protection strategies. The reviewed evidence indicates that, despite growing knowledge about vulnerabilities, many users continue to use unsecured public Wi-Fi networks mainly due to resource preservation (mobile data) and other situational factors. Experimental studies in various urban contexts have revealed the transmission of sensitive information without adequate encryption, from login credentials to personally identifiable data. The literature also documents how demographic, environmental, and cognitive factors influence user decisions, particularly highlighting the "resource preservation heuristic" that leads to risky behaviors when mobile data scarcity is perceived. Crucial implications are identified for urban planners, service providers, and end users, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive approach that balances accessibility and security in urban connectivity infrastructure. The conclusions point toward multifaceted strategies that combine technical solutions, targeted education, and public policies to address these vulnerabilities without compromising equitable access to this increasingly essential component of urban digital infrastructure.

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Author Biographies

José de Jesús Franco Romero, Universidad de Guadalajara

Lic. en sistemas de información por la Universidad de Guadalajara
Diego Nápoles Franco, Universidad de Guadalajara

Doctor en Ciudad, Territorio y Sustentabilidad
-Maestro en Ciencia Política con Orientación en Democracias Contemporáneas
-Licenciado en Administración de Empresas.
-Egresado de la VII generación del Seminario de Liderazgo e Innovación en Educación Superior por la Universidad de Harvard, Boston College, Babson College y Massachuserrs of Technology (MIT)
Aarón Jiménez Govea, Universidad de Guadalajara

Ingeniero en Computación, egresado de la Universidad de Guadalajara del estado de Jalisco en 1998. Maestría en Sistemas de Información en 2003, Doctor en Tecnologías de Información de la Universidad de Guadalajara, Jalisco, México.

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