Securing Hotspot Connections

Sticking with the theme of internet security in the last few posts, here are some suggestions on protecting yourself while using public hotspots. These wireless hotspots can be found at places such as airports, hotels, Starbucks, etc. Generally these hotspots are open to everyone with no encryption or password settings. This can mean that anyone could possibly see your internet traffic. Although it is very convenient to easily access the internet at locations like these, it is worth while to take a few precautions.

• Make sure it's a legitimate hotspot: Nefarious types have been known to set up pirate routers with familiar SSID names like "wayport" or "t-mobile," and then use them to capture unsuspecting users' log-on information and other private data.
• For those connections you use only occasionally, drill down and change the setting from automatic connection to on demand. That means when you take your home laptop into work, you should be prompted to connect rather than connect automatically. This is also true with a service like T-Mobile; you should be prompted to connect at a participating coffee shop or airpport. This is another layer of safeguarding against bogus routers. Go ahead and leave the automatic connection feature on for your secured home network and other networks you connect to all the time (work), but turn it off for *all* others. Thereafter, logging onto a network creates a few seconds of hassle, but the added security is worth it.
• Verify that your PC's software firewall is turned on, and that Windows' file-sharing feature is off; it's off by default in Windows XP with Service Pack 2. To check this setting, open Control Panel and choose Windows Firewall (you may have to click Security Center first in XP or Security in Vista). In XP, select the Exceptions tab, and look in the Programs and Services to make sure "File and Printer Sharing" is unchecked. In Vista, click Change settings, then select the Exceptions tab and follow the instructions for XP.
• Never send bank passwords, credit card numbers, confidential e-mail, or other sensitive data unless you're sure you're on a secure site: Look for the lock icon in the bottom-right corner of your browser, as well as a URL in the address bar that begins with https. Such sites build in their own encryption.
• Always turn your Wi-Fi radio off when you're not at a hotspot: Hackers can use it to create peer-to-peer Wi-Fi connections with your computer and access it directly.

Thanks to PC World and CNet Reviews for the above suggestions. Click on their names to read a few more of their suggestions.