I received an email with these tips and I thought to share it here.
Wireless (also known as
Wi-Fi) hot spots, are changing the way people work. These wireless
local area networks (WLANs) provide high-speed Internet connections in
public locations (and at home). You can access them with a wireless-ready
mobile PC, such as a laptop, netbook, smartphone, or any
other mobile device equipped with a wireless card.
Hots pots range from
paid services, such as T-Mobile, Verizon, MTN, Glo, SWIFT, Etisalat, Airtel Wireless, to free, public connections.
Hot spots are everywhere, including coffee shops, restaurants, libraries,
bookstores, airports, trains, and hotel lobbies.
Many of these
places will inform you that they have a hot spot for wireless Internet use and
will tell you how to access it, including providing you with a password, if
necessary. Continue to
Are Wi-Fi hot
spots safe?
Public hot
spots all have one thing in common—they are open networks that are vulnerable
to security breaches. Because they do not encrypt data, your passwords, email
messages, and other information can be visible to hackers. That means it's up
to you to be aware of wireless hot spot security and to protect the data on
your PC or mobile device. In this article, we cover a few Internet security
tips to make working on wireless networks in public locations more secure.
TIPS
1. Disable your
Wi-Fi adapter: When you’re not at home or at work, it’s a good idea to turn off your
laptop or notebook’s Wi-Fi capability when you’re not using it. Otherwise your
computer might connect to a malicious hot spot without your realizing it. Many
laptops now have a Wi-Fi hardware button you can use to disable your Wi-Fi
adapter. If yours doesn’t, you can disable your Wi-Fi adapter using your
operating system.
1.In the system
tray, click the wireless network icon, and then select Disable. This
removes the icon.
2.To restore
the icon and enable your wireless connection, click Start, click Control
Panel, and then click Network and Internet Connections.
3.Under the Pick
a Control Panel icon, click Network Connections, and then
double-click your wireless connection.
2. Try
to choose more secure connections - Use a virtual private network (VPN) and Protect your
email with https: It's not always possible to choose your connection type,
but Internet security is critical. When you can, opt for wireless networks that
require a network security key or have some other form of security, such as a
certificate. The information sent over these networks is encrypted, and
encryption can help protect your computer from unauthorized access.
One way to
protect your email messages in public is to select the https or other
secure connection option in your email account settings (if your email provider
supplies one). This option may be called always use https, more
secure connection, or something similar.
3. Make sure
your firewall is activated: A firewall helps
protect your PC by preventing unauthorized users from gaining access to your
computer through the Internet or a network. It acts as a barrier that checks
all incoming information and then either blocks the information or allows it to
come through. All Windows operating systems come with a firewall, and you can
make sure it's turned on.
Note: Some antivirus
software includes its own firewall. If your antivirus has a firewall and it is
turned on, you do not need to turn on Windows Firewall. Having two firewalls
turned on is not recommended.
4. Monitor your
access points: Chances are
that there are multiple wireless networks anywhere you're trying to connect.
These connections are all access points, because they link into the wired
system that gives you Internet access. So how do you make sure you're
connecting to the right one? Simple—by configuring your PC to let you approve
access points before you connect.
5. Disable file
and printer sharing: File and printer sharing is a feature that enables other
computers on a network to access resources on your computer. When you are using
your mobile PC in a hot spot, it's best to disable file and printer
sharing—when it's enabled, it leaves your computer vulnerable to hackers.
Remember, though, to turn this feature back on when you return to the office.
6. Make your
folders private: When the folders on your mobile PC are private, it's more difficult for
hackers to access your files.
7. Encrypt your
files: You can
protect your files further by encrypting them, which requires a password to
open or modify them. Because you must perform this procedure on one file at a
time, consider password-protecting only the files that you plan to use while
working in a public place.
8. Consider
removing sensitive data from your portable computer: If you're working with extremely
sensitive data, it might be worth taking it off your portable computer
altogether. Instead, save it on a corporate network share or on a
password-protected site and access it only when necessary. This way, you have
multiple safeguards in place.
In conclusion,
a few simple
precautions can help make working in public places more secure. By selecting
the best wireless Internet connections and adjusting settings, you can enjoy
more productive and safer work sessions—no matter where you are.
nice post...
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