| |
| |
|
Broadband Internet Information |
|
|
|
Wi-Fi Hotspot Security
You've set up your Boingo account, you're hanging out at the Home Turf sports bar in LAX and you figure you'll do a little business or check your e-mail while sipping a Chardonnay. Well, that's the point of Wi-Fi hotspots; being able to take care of a few things while in a relaxing atmosphere. Don't, however, get so relaxed that you ignore security and give all your confidential information to some unscrupulous hacker. Yeah, you see the guy. He's over in the corner wearing that fake nose and glasses with the ridiculous Bozo the Clown cap. Yep, drinking a Blatz. Dead give away. Sorry, they won't be that obvious, I doubt they ever drink Blatz and very seldom wear clown caps. When you're thinking back, trying to remember who was around when your password was stolen, you probably won't remember the woman in the tastefully tailored business suit, and if, by chance, you do, she won't be the one you suspect. The best defense is to implement some simple security practices and measures that will safeguard your business and personal information. Hot Spot Security: Simple StuffBe aware of those around you.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 piggyback or steal your credit card number as you sign up for a daily use fee at Starbucks. Speaking of passwords: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 villains of concourse and lobby. Don't Share!Yes, I know, mothers have been telling us to share for centuries but, at least while using a Wi-Fi 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. Use a Personal Firewall.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 let me suggest downloading a copy of ZoneAlarm. There are others of course but, for personal use, since ZoneAlarm is free and seems to test better than the rest I can't see a reason to recommend another. 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. Hot Spot Security: Less Simple StuffBeware the Evil TwinOtherwise 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':
Encrypt Confidential InformationData that's transmitted between yourself and a secure Web site can be counted on to be safe from the Starbucks Snidely Whiplash so 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 Thunderbird, take advantage of your ISP's Web 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. Another option is to use a free encryption program like Cryptainer LE. Cryptainer LE can encrypt any or all the files stored on your hard drive, protecting them in case your laptop is stolen or compromised, as well as allow you to e-mail them with the security of encryption. Cryptainer PE is also offered for enterprise applications. Use a Virtual Private NetworkThink of a virtual private network (VPN) as a solid conduit, or tunnel, between your laptop and your company's network. By using a VPN your communications will be as secure as they would be if you were sitting at your desk. Mac OS X?, Windows? 2000 and Windows? XP have built in VPN clients and if you're a user of Windows? 98, ME or NT you can download the free Microsoft® L2TP/IPSec VPN Client from Microsoft®. If you're a Linux user you can download the free S/WAN VPN client. While the use of a VPN is one of the best ways to protect your confidential data when you're using a Wi-Fi hotspot it is, unfortunately, limited to communication between your laptop and your company's server. If you want to conduct personal business with similar security levels the best solution may be the award winning GoToMyPC software. Use Anti-Virus SoftwareIt'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 a public 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. ConclusionBy following these security measures you should be able to enjoy, with the confidence that your private information will remain private, your favorite Wi-Fi hotspots around the world. Phil Haley is a technical writer and the editor of Refurbished Laptop Computer Info. For more information regarding buying, maintaining, upgrading or enjoying a laptop computer visit Refurbished Laptop Computer Info where you'll also find the complete Great Wi-Fi Guide.
MORE RESOURCES:
Broadband-Internet - Google News |
|
|
|
RELATED ARTICLES
Business Satellite Internet Products Compared - 2005 There are a number of options available for Business Class Satellite Internet connectivity in the U.S. Top 3 UK Broadband Providers Every Internet provider today wants to make it sound like you are getting something for nothing. There are even some providers who will offer free access if you are willing to surf the Internet with numerous pop-ups from their advertisers. Broadband Connection to the Central Sun You may have noticed the expansion of consciousness that has taken place since the Harmonic Concordance. This is due to the new Broadband connection that has been created to the Universe's Central Sun. Understanding Broadband - Are You Ready To Upgrade? Are you ready to upgrade your residential service to DSL or business service to real broadband or T1? Well, the answer lies in what you need. Before you can realize your needs, you must understand more of what the word broadband really means. What are Your Internet Connection Solutions? Of primary concern to all internet users is their actual connection to the internet.A user needs to look at all the factors and weigh the benefits and costsReliability - is the connection available 24/7, or do you get a busy signal?Speed - at what speeds can a user upload and download files?Costs - what are the setup and monthly costs for the internet connection service?Support - is support available 24/7 and is it free or is there a cost associated with it?Availability - is the desired service available at your location?Available options with good and bad features include:Local dial up with phone company (local isp) - While this many times is the simplest, often times, they are the most costly and support can be an issue. Broadband Broadband is the name given to a high-speed Internet connection that provide large bandwidth. It is a quick connection, typically "always-on" and capable of transmitting data at a much faster rate than a standard dialup modem connection. Wi-Fi Hotspot Security You've set up your Boingo account, you're hanging out at the Home Turf sports bar in LAX and you figure you'll do a little business or check your e-mail while sipping a Chardonnay. Well, that's the point of Wi-Fi hotspots; being able to take care of a few things while in a relaxing atmosphere. How to Troubleshoot Your Internet Connection for DSL or Cable Service One of the common problems among internet users is testing their internet connection to pinpoint the exact problem. There is a big number of internet users who use DSL, and cable modem service. Wireless Technologies in Mass Transit for Convenience and Safety Modern Mass Transit is making it easier for commuters, especially with the latest inter connecting wireless technologies. Many buses, commuter trains, shuttles and even trolley cars now have WiFi wireless computer access so no one is out of touch during the travel time. Google Brings Millions of Hard-to-Find Library Books to Your Fingertips Millions of hard-to-find books from five major libraries will soon be a lot easier to access: Google has made plans to scan and digitize them, making the books available on their widely used Internet search engine.Google's latest endeavor is a large step beyond previous attempts to scan books so they can be read online (Google, Amazon. Why Choose Dial Up ISP Services Dial up ISP service is the cheapest choice of any of the ISPs and may be a good option for that family on a tight budget. The software upgrades have definitely increased the speed of dial up ISPs, but their speed is still slower than some other options. Webmail - What are the Benefits? There are so many different webmail services on the internet, from the huge ones like Yahoo, Gmail, Hotmail, to the much smaller ones from private websites and ISPs. There is a lot to worry about with e-mail these days but some of these front line webmail services are really a great way of helping to protect your system. How to Choose Best ISP for Your Needs Well, the Internet access industry is starting to shake its way out. The much-anticipated consolidation of access providers is nearing its end. Wifi Hotspot Locations for Sale..is that a Good Thing? Recent companies have been advertising wifi hotspot locations that are 'turnkey' (they can run themselves), and only cost between $13,000 and $20,000 to start. Is that good?First of all, if it's so turnkey then why aren't they just popping off wifi hotspot locations left and right for themselves, is it their newfound generosity that has them 'sharing' the opportunities they have available. Two Enter Internet Battle Consumers understand that when there is more competition in a market, there are lower prices. This is especially true in the computer industry where it is reported that 68% of households have a computer. Some DSL Broadband Definitions Often too many people get confused with all the definitions, here we have explained in easy to understand terms.ADSL: Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line - asymmetric meaning it's faster downstream than upstream. A Cheap Alternative To Broadband? Are you a dial-up user looking for a faster connection, but don't like Broadband prices? If so, you should take a look at a new service called OnSpeed, which has received rave reviews in Internet technology publications.What OnSpeed does is to re-route web pages and email via its own servers, compressing the data on the fly prior to sending it onwards to your PC. DSL Internet is a Simple and Easy Way to Get Fast Internet Service DSL - which stands for Digital Subscriber Line - is a great way to get high-speed internet service, without having to get a cable modem, or live in an area that has cable lines. DSL providers have very fast and comparatively cheap internet connectivity. Internet Service Providers Internet Service Provider or ISP is a company that provides access to the Internet.Before choosing an ISP, it is important to assess your company's business and marketing goals. Broadband is State-of-the-Art Internet Access: How Can a Broadband Cable Benefit You? We are now well ensconced in a time when the Web is riddled with graphics, animations, sounds, and videos, bringing about a necessity for superior internet access such as that which broadband can provide. The fact is that anything less than the speed supplied by a broadband cable has become inadequate for today's Web users.
|
| home | site map |
| © 2006 |