Public Wi-Fi Hotspots are EVERYWHERE, but are they safe? Wi-Fi technology works by broadcasting packets of data over radio waves between two sources. Think of it as a CB radio setup with a base station and a handheld device. Just like a CB radio, Wi-Fi is relatively easy for someone to intercept.

While they do pose some security challenges, hotspots are convenient and have made work on the road much more efficient. If you want to take advantage of this convenience, it is up to you to take measures to ensure that you’re not attracting unwanted visitors onto your computer.

Here are 10 questions to ask yourself before using public Wi-Fi:

1. Do you know the source of the hotspot? Some crafty data thieves will set their computer up to be a Wi-Fi network access point with an official sounding name that would appear to be safe like “(name of a city or name of a Wireless provider) Wi-Fi”. These networks, set up for the sole purpose of stealing your information are called “evil twins”. If you’re going to be doing anything sensitive while on a Wi-Fi connection, be sure you know, without a doubt, that you’re accessing a non-malicious and secure hotspot.
   
   

2. Is the Wi-Fi network secure? If you’re at a business, you’ll more than likely need a key to get on their network. This is a good because it means that the network is limited to people with the password. If you’re at a coffee shop or establishment that allows free access to the network, find out if the hotspot is encrypted. If it is, that means your data will be unreadable to other users on the network.
   
   

3. Are your firewall and anti-malware running? Set your firewall to block all incoming traffic. This will block intruders from your computer by limiting access. Make sure your antivirus is enabled as well.
   
   

4. Are you up-to-date? Keeping your laptop’s operating system and software current with security patches and other updates will provide an important added layer of protection. Be aware that older applications and version are the most common attack points. Don’t forget to stay current on your anti-virus software as well.
   
   

5. Is your file and printer sharing disabled? When you’re using a hotspot, if your file and printer sharing is on, you could be inviting intruders into your computer and giving them full access to your files.
   
   

6. Have you protected your files? You have the ability to make the folders on your laptop hard to get to for hackers and intruders, by making them private. To make your folders private, you will have to set permissions on any folder that contains information that you wish to protect.
   
   

7. Could you live without it? If there is sensitive data on your computer (like social security numbers, credit card information, banking information, etc.), ask yourself if you really need it. If you don’t need it locally, remove it and move it to safe server or PC (behind the firewall). Use a VPN, SSL, or remote login tools if you need to access the information remotely.
   
   

8. Are the web sites you’re visiting secure? When using a hotspot, if you’re doing anything more than browsing (i.e. Entering personal information of any sort), make sure you’re on secure web sites. One way to check if the site you’re visiting is secure is to look at the bottom right side of your screen for a padlock. The other way to tell is if the URL begins with “https”, it is secure.
   
   

9. Can it wait? If you can wait to get to a more secure and controlled environment, opt to do so. Doing things at a hotspot like online banking, paying bills, using credit cards, etc. could be opening yourself up to trouble. If you absolutely must use a credit card over a public hotspot, ask your credit card company if they provide disposable or temporary numbers.
   
   

10. Is your wireless off when you’re not using it? It is best to turn your wireless radio off when you’re not using it so that you don’t inadvertently connect to an unsecured network and open your computer and all of its contents to others.

Keep these 10 questions in mind when using public hotspots.

If you have additional questions or need more information, call us at
630-379-0330.