Wireless Hotspot Security

Understanding Wifi Security Risks

While you are sipping a latte and working on a business plan, someone at the next table, or in a car outside, may be stealing sensitive data from your laptop through the same wireless hotspot you are using. As you walk down the street, your smartphone may automatically connect to a rogue hotspot run by identity thieves, allowing them to steal whatever is on your phone. You may never know your pocket has been picked. This is why it's important to understand wireless hotspot security and use it wisely.

Unsecured wireless networks are convenient - you don't have to enter a password, just open your laptop and let it connect to the wide-open wireless network. But anyone within range of that network can do the same, and without an encrypted connection you may be vulnerable to data theft. Whenever possible, use wireless hotspots that at least require a password.

It's a good idea to enable the firewall built into your laptop, even when using secured hotspots. A personal firewall can protect your data against other hotspot users. If you are connecting via wifi on a Windows 7 system, choose the "Public" option when asked what type of network you're on.

Disable file and printer sharing on your laptop before going out in public with it. Whatever data you allow to be shared on a network is available to other users of a wireless hotspot.

Extra Layers of Wifi Security

If you use webmail, or any other website that requires a login password, look for the "https" in the website address. That little "s" is your assurance that your connection is encrypted. If you use Outlook or another email client, adjust your account settings to require a secure connection when sending or receiving mail (if your email server supports secure connections, as it should).

Even better, if your company has a Virtual Private Network (VPN), use it for all business communications. A VPN encrypts all data passing through it so that even if data is intercepted it cannot be read. If you're not on company business, use one of the free remote access services to protect your data against thieves. Learn about the options in my related article Free Alternatives to GotoMyPC.

Disable your device's WiFi adapter when it's not in use. This prevents your device from automatically connecting to any wireless hotspot you may pass. On smartphones, this will be found in the Settings dialog. Many laptops have a button on the keyboard that makes enabling and disabling a WiFi adapter quick and easy. If yours lacks such a button, you can control the WiFi adapter through the operating system. Here's the procedure for Windows 7:

• Click Start, then Control Panel, then Hardware and Sound
• Under Devices and Printers, click Device Manager
• In the list of devices, click Network Adapters
• Right-click your WiFi adapter and select Disable (or Enable to turn it on again)

Wireless hotspots are essential these days. But just as you wouldn't sit in a cafe with your wallet open on the table, you shouldn't leave your laptop or other mobile device wide open to thieves.

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