Use a complex password to protect your files, folders and laptop from access by those villains of concourse and lobby. Don't Share!
Yes, I know, mothers have been telling us to share for centuries but, at least while using a Wi-Fi hotspot, make sure you disable file sharing. Use a Personal Firewall.If you're using a corporate laptop make sure you talk to your IT department before you install any firewalls but if the laptop you're using is your own let me suggest downloading a copy of ZoneAlarm. Hot Spot Security: Less Simple Stuff Beware the Evil Twin
Otherwise known as 'Rogue Hotspots' or the 'soft AP attack' this Wi-Fi version of the e-mail Phishing scam is perpetrated by hackers who jam and mimic the signal and SSID of a legitimate hotspot. They then serve up a sign-in page garnering usernames, passwords and, in some cases, credit card numbers. Don't set your Wi-Fi card to allow automatic connection to any available network.
Turn off your Wi-Fi card entirely as soon as you're finished.
Although a firewall won't keep you from connecting to an 'Evil Twin' it will help to safeguard your information should you inadvertently fall victim.
Encrypt Confidential Information
When you're logging onto the secure portion of the site, however, you may be doing so without the protection of security so be careful to note whether or not the sign in page is secured (https).
If you frequently encounter the need to send large files via e-mail then using a compression program will meet your need to reduce the size of the file and most compression programs will also secure the data with encryption.
Cryptainer LE can encrypt any or all the files stored on your hard drive, protecting them in case your laptop is stolen or compromised, as well as allow you to e-mail them with the security of encryption. Cryptainer PE is also offered for enterprise applications.
Use a Virtual Private Network
Think of a virtual private network (VPN) as a solid conduit, or tunnel, between your laptop and your company's network. Mac OS X(TM), Windows(TM) 2000 and Windows(TM) XP have built in VPN clients and if you're a user of Windows(TM) 98, ME or NT you can download the free Microsoft® L2TP/IPSec VPN Client from Microsoft®. If you're a Linux user you can download the free S/WAN VPN client.
While the use of a VPN is one of the best ways to protect your confidential data when you're using a Wi-Fi hotspot it is, unfortunately, limited to communication between your laptop and your company's server. If you want to conduct personal business with similar security levels the best solution may be the award winning GoToMyPC software.
Use Anti-Virus Software
It's somewhat surprising that so many people are aware of the dangers of 'net borne viruses and, yet, so many either fail to incorporate anti-virus programs like McAfee & Norton or fail to keep them up to date. When you're using a public hotspot it's more important than ever to have anti virus software installed.
If you've got an auto-update feature built into your program make sure you take advantage of it.
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