Public Wi-Fi Hotspots Are Safe-If..

It is not extremely dangerous to connect to the public Wi-Fi hotspots offered at hotels, restaurants, coffee shops, and other venues as commonly believed. But do understand you should take some precaution to protect your computer from unauthorized access, virus and hackers. The threats presented through public Wi-Fi hotspot shared connections are primarily due to open access points you probably have enabled on your laptop due to work or home related network requirements. Disabling these access points and exercising a couple of other safeguards will provide you with the necessary security to connect worry-free to public Wi-Fi hotspots all over the world.

It is important to make sure you are connecting with a secure, trustworthy network. Most public Wi-Fi hotspots provided by these venues are managed by reputable Internet provider so that should not be a problem. Connection to an encrypted network is preferred. You can inquire with the establishment's staff about the type of connections available and recommendations.

Know what type of information is being transmitted while connected to the Wi-Fi hotspot. Avoid logging into Wi-Fi services that could expose sensitive information contained on your computer for which you have shared with the establishment such as bank or credit card account information or personal identification information. It is best to avoid transactions that require you provide this information when connected to a public Wi-Fi hotspot. Save these tasks until you are at home or connected to a trusted encrypted network.

Work or home network conditions may require you share folders and other resources with others on the network. These open access points can be used to obtain admittance to information on your computer. Prior to connecting with a public Wi-Fi hotspot turn off Public folder sharing access and turn on Password protected sharing. To accomplish this, right click with your mouse, the network connection icon, located in the lower right corner of your computer's screen and select the Network and Sharing Center menu option. Within the next menu options click Manage Network Connections. The Network Connections window will open. Right click on the active Wireless Network Connection option and click on Properties. Click the Sharing tab and uncheck the two boxes and click OK. This will disable public folder sharing. To turn on Password protected sharing, on the Network and Sharing Center page click the down arrow icon across from the Password Protected sharing option and click the turn on password protected sharing option. Your laptop is now setup for secure public Wi-Fi hotspot connecting. Remember to return these option to their original state when you are done accessing the public Wi-Fi hotspot.

One last step you should consider is the utilization of firewall software such as Windows Firewall to aid in the prevention of malicious objects from accessing and infecting your laptop and some type of malware protection to remove any unwanted items which may manage to evade your firewall.

Public Wi-Fi hotspots are a wonderful convenience to have access to when you are away from your home based broadband connection. Knowing what precautions to take so you can securely connect and utilize them gives you piece of mind. The majority of public Wi-Fi hotspots are safe to connect to. These precautions are to protect your laptop from the few Wi-Fi hotspots which may not be safe and secure.

Resource: News From The Help Desk - Smart Computing - September, 2009

Tags: wi-fi, wi-fi hotspots, laptop security, wireless network connection, turn off shared folders