Filed under: Computers, Advice, Windows Software, Mac Software
Ever wonder how safe all your personal information is when it’s beamed through the air over Wi-Fi ? If you haven’t, then chances are, you haven’t taken the right precautions to keep that information safe, either. In clear, easy-to-understand language, the ‘Today Show‘ recently examined the security of Wi-Fi networks. While the video above is a little on the fear-mongering side, it does make some good points about the vulnerability of wireless traffic, in particular, those public hot-spots at your local coffee shop, park, or airport.
Here’s what you need to know: Public hot-spots — most of which are open and don’t require a password — are, by nature, insecure. Sure, they may be easy and convenient to hop on from your computer, but that very openness is also what allows anyone, including hackers, to just walk in and sign on. In other words, when you’re signed on to a public Wi-Fi hotspot (or at an unsecured network at your or someone’s private home), it’s entirely possible for someone to come along and snatch your data, literally out of the air.
Luckily, there are some essential precautions you can take to protect yourself when you’re in a public hotspot. First and foremost, get a good firewall program — not the one built into Windows or Macs, though. Most security suites from Norton, McAfee, and others come with one, and you can download free ones from the likes of Zone Alarm and Comodo. These apps are designed to prevent hackers from gaining access to the data on your PC, and will block and alert you to any attempts to wirelessly access your computer.
Continue reading Just How Risky Are Public Wi-Fi Hotspots?
Just How Risky Are Public Wi-Fi Hotspots? originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 02 Nov 2009 06:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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