Wireless connections can cost hundreds of dollars a year, so it is logical tax that many people are looking for connections free when they are out and about. But free does not mean secure .
By now you've heard all the warnings that publicly Used to connect WiFi, like that found in coffee shops, airports and hotels, are vulnerable to sniffers . Read sniffer wireless data as it is transmitted through the air and convert it into words, numbers and computer code for other devices and directors (including those with poor intentions) can read it.
WiFi public generally means that access is free and not password protected, which often means WiFi is unsecured, unprotected, unencrypted and just opened.
Here's how you can protect your data when on a public network.
# 1. Turn on automatic Windows updates. In older versions of the Windows XP operating system, the updates were all manual. With Windows XP SP2, updates are automatic by default. Windows Vista, 7 and 8 have all automatic updates by default. Keep this way there is a reason for this. The reason is that attackers use some software to search for unpatched vulnerabilities obsolete systems.
# 2. Turn off file sharing. On an encrypted home network, it is reasonable to share files and folders with everyone in your family or with all devices as you access different areas of your home and office. However, when you are out and about and WiFi access unsecured, your data is vulnerable because of settings in your firewall. With new versions of Windows, you can specify whether or not you are on a network "house" as opposed to "public" network. Choose wisely; Microsoft has all the information here. At the most basic level, it is best to turn off file sharing while heading out. Depending on your operating system, use the Carnegie Mellon instructions for details.
# 3. Do not automatically connect to WiFi networks. When first connecting to a wireless network, we are often faced with a check box or option to "connect automatically" to the network in the future. Uncheck this and still connect manually. If your home network is "Netgear" and you're somewhere and your camera sees another network called "Netgear" your device connects to its namesake, which are not necessarily as secure, potentially leaving your vulnerable device to anyone monitoring the new network.
# 4. Confirm the network you are connecting. Admittedly, this is easier said than done. There are rogue networks called "twin evil" that criminals set up; they are designed to lure you into the connection by usurping the name of a legitimate network. For example, you can use what you see as "Starbucks WiFi" to connect while you're sipping your coffee, but you can also see a list of "Starbucks WiFi FREE." Which, if either, is to real? These configurations are designed to attract you and once connected, your data can be filtered through the device of a criminal.
# 5. Use a free VPN for WiFi security as Hotspot Shield . Hotspot Shield Free VPN creates a Virtual private network (VPN) between your laptop or iPhone and our Internet gateway. This impenetrable tunnel prevents snoopers, hackers and ISPs to view your web browsing activities, the instant messages, downloads, credit card information or anything else you send over the network.
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