When you're considering Wi-Fi security in public places one of the first safeguards is anything but high tech. Remember a few years ago when people were getting huge phone bills because someone was watching as they keyed in pass codes? It's still happening to Wi-Fi network subscribers. Do what you can to keep prying eyes from your keyboard and screen. You pay good money for your monthly subscription and there's no reason to let anyone steal your credit card number as you sign up for a daily use fee.
Those of us who toil and travel are prime targets for those who may be of the persuasion to purloin. In other words, it's quite possible to be targeted for laptop theft. Use a complex password to protect your files, folders and laptop from access by those intruders which may gain access to your computer.
Don't Share
While using a Wi-Fi Internet hotspot, make sure you disable file sharing. It might be great for the home and good at the office but it's disaster in the making at your favorite coffee house.
If you're using a corporate laptop make sure you talk to your IT department before you install any firewalls but if the laptop you're using is your own, installing Norton or Mcafee Personal Firewall will increase security whilst connected to the Internet Hotspot.
Most of the reasons for using a firewall should be self-evident but, to say the least, you'll want to be made aware of any traffic coming or going and any unusual communication between applications.
Otherwise known as 'Rogue Hotspots' or the 'soft AP attack' this Wi-Fi version of the e-mail Phishing scam is perpetrated by hackers who jam and mimic the signal and SSID of a legitimate hotspot. They then serve up a sign-in page garnering usernames, passwords and, in some cases, credit card numbers. If they go so far as to allow a connection to the Internet they're then in the position to intercept unencrypted traffic as well as any files open to sharing (Don't Share!).
There are a few things you can do to protect yourself from 'Evil Twins':
Data that's transmitted between yourself and a secure Web site can be counted on to be safe when you're purchasing goods, or banking on-line, you can do so without fear. When you're logging onto the secure portion of the site, however, you may be doing so without the protection of security so be careful to note whether or not the sign in page is secured (https).
When sending e-mail there are a few things you can do to safeguard yourself. For example, instead of using Outlook or Outlook Express, take advantage of your ISP's Web Mail interface which, in most cases, will be secure and should protect your data during transmission.
If you frequently encounter the need to send large files via e-mail then using a compression program will meet your need to reduce the size of the file and most compression programs will also secure the data with encryption.
It's somewhat surprising that so many people are aware of the dangers of 'net borne viruses and, yet, so many either fail to incorporate anti-virus programs like McAfee & Norton or fail to keep them up to date. When you're using an Internet hotspot it's more important than ever to have anti virus software installed.
Once you've got the software up and running make sure that it's updated on a regular basis and update it anytime you hear about a new virus or a new version of an old virus. If you've got an auto-update feature built into your program make sure you take advantage of it.
By following these security measures you should be able to enjoy, with the confidence that your private information will remain private, through out your favorite Internet Hotspots around Malta & Gozo.
Important
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