Security Tips to Note, when Using Wi-Fi Hotspot in Public Network

Posted by Unknown On Thursday, 20 June 2013 0 comments
As you all know Security is very important issue today. We store lots of precious data in our laptop and sometimes we use Wi-Fi Hotspot in Public Network Which can harm our devices by stolen our precious data.
Well today’s changing technology – Wireless (or Wi-Fi) hot spots are changing the era of modernization and technology. These are altering the way people work in better means. The wireless local area networks (WLANs) give high speed internet connections in public locations as well as at home. One can access them easily with a wireless mobile PC i.e. a laptop, notebook, Smartphone or any other mobile device equipped with a wireless card. Hotspots give free wireless public connections.
These are everywhere including restaurants, libraries, coffee shops, airports and hotel lobbies. Many of these places inform you that they have a hotspot forwireless internet and will let you know how to access it; they will provide you thepassword if necessary.
In the present article, we are giving you some security tips that you need to take note when you are using a Wi-Fi hotspot in public network.
wifi-hotspot-security-tips

1) Disable the Wi-Fi adapter:

When you are not working, at home or at office, it’s a good habit to turn off your laptop or notebook’s Wi-Fi capability. Else, your computer might connect to any hotspot nearby without your knowledge. You can simply turn off the hardware button of disable your Wi-Fi adapter using operating system.

2) Choose secure connections:

  • Use VPN (Virtual Private Network)
Though you may not always have the access to choose your connection type but internet security is also very crucial. So when you can, opt for wireless networks that require some network security key or have some certificate as a security option. The information shared over these is encrypted and this can help your computer by protecting it from unauthorized access. For instance, rather than using a public hotspot with no encryption, one can use VPN.
For downloading free VPN software, click here!

  • Protect your email with https
Another way to protect your connection in public is to select https or some other secure connection option in your email account. Even if the email provider that you use has a secure network, after you log in to the account on some public network; unless you use a more secure connection, your information is not encrypted.

3) Activate your firewall always:

Firewall protects your computer and prevents unauthorized users from accessing your PC through internet or network. It acts as a barrier that checks the incoming information and then decides to block it or pass it through. All windows OS come with a firewall and you can also make sure if it is turned on. Some antivirus softwares has their own firewall so if you have such antivirus, you need not to turn on Windows Firewall.

4) Monitor the access points:

There may be chances that there are multiple wireless networks where you are trying to connect. These are all known as access points as they are linked to a wired system that gives the internet access. By simply configuring your PC which will let you approve access points before the connection, you can make sure if you are connecting to the right access point.

5) Disable printer and file sharing:

The feature of file and printer sharing enables other computers on a network to access resources on your computer. If you are using mobile PC in some hotspot, you must disable printer and file sharing. Because if it is enabled, it may leave your computer allowed to hackers. You can turn on this feature as soon as you are back to your home or workplace.

6) Make folders private:

For a hacker, it is difficult to access the files that are being stored as private folders, so it is a good practice to make the folders on your mobile PC private. It will help you to give more security to your data and files.

7) Encrypt the files:

We can further protect the files by encrypting them which means, that you need a password to open or modify the files. You must perform this procedure on one file at one time, considering password protecting only those files that you plan or wish to use while working in a public place.
These were the simple security tips or precautions one must consider while using a Wi-Fi hotspot in public place for making your working more secure. Simply by selecting the best internet connections and adjusting a few settings on your computer, you can have safer as well as more productive work sessions.

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