Accessing the internet via a public wireless access point involves serious security threats you should guard against. These threats are compounded by your inability to control the security setup of the wireless network. What’s more, you’re often in range of numerous wireless-enabled computers operated by people you don’t know. The following sections describe steps you can take to protect yourself.
Watch What You Do Online
Because you’re likely to have an unsecured, unencrypted network connection when you use a public wireless access point, be careful about what you do online there’s always the chance that another user on the network could be monitoring your activity. If you can’t connect securely using a VPN then consider avoiding.
Many companies and organizations have a virtual private network (VPN). VPNs allow employees to connect securely to their network when away from the office. VPNs encrypt connections at the sending and receiving ends, and keep out traffic that is not properly encrypted. If a VPN is available to you, make sure you log onto it any time you need to use a public wireless access point.
Disable File Sharing
File sharing in public wireless spaces is even more dangerous than it is on your home wireless network. To prevent attackers from gaining access to your sensitive files, you should disable file sharing when connecting to a public wireless access point. Check the help file from your operating system to learn how to disable file sharing.
Be Aware of Your Surroundings
Watch What You Do Online
Because you’re likely to have an unsecured, unencrypted network connection when you use a public wireless access point, be careful about what you do online there’s always the chance that another user on the network could be monitoring your activity. If you can’t connect securely using a VPN then consider avoiding.
- Online banking
- Online shopping
- Sending email
- Typing passwords or credit card numbers
Many companies and organizations have a virtual private network (VPN). VPNs allow employees to connect securely to their network when away from the office. VPNs encrypt connections at the sending and receiving ends, and keep out traffic that is not properly encrypted. If a VPN is available to you, make sure you log onto it any time you need to use a public wireless access point.
Disable File Sharing
File sharing in public wireless spaces is even more dangerous than it is on your home wireless network. To prevent attackers from gaining access to your sensitive files, you should disable file sharing when connecting to a public wireless access point. Check the help file from your operating system to learn how to disable file sharing.
Be Aware of Your Surroundings
- When using a public wireless access point, you should be aware of what’s going on around you.
- Are others using their computers in close proximity to you?
- Can others view your screen?
- Are you sitting near a window through which someone, using binoculars, could get a view of your screen?
