Financial Schools Reviews

The information superhighway is getting easier and easier to jump on, as there seems to be free or inexpensive public internet access at new locations on a daily basis. I myself recently indulged in the replacement of my old computer, and my new state-of-the-art laptop with wireless capability has opened up what seems to be endless opportunities for me to use my new toy easily at multiple locations (translation: work more). On my recent vacation, I toted along my laptop and was able to find open wi-fi networks I could utilize at my hotel, restaurants, coffee shops, and of course the airport. Although I didn’t try (I knew better), I might even have been able to find one while sitting on the beach!

While my expanded ability to “dial in” is a great benefit, the newfound luxury must be treated with extreme care as well. To begin with, any type of wireless network whether home or public will be less secure than a traditional network setup where the data physically passes through a cable. Because wireless transmissions pass through the air in the form of radio signals, they can potentially be intercepted by a hacker with a receiver and other easily-obtained tools. Additionally, most wi-fi hotspots utilize few if any security measures as that somewhat defeats the purpose of the service, that is offering quick easy access to customers. Thus, when connected to one of these networks, your personal and private information may be at risk, and you must take responsible measures to protect yourself.

Here are some safety measures you should consider when utilizing the services of a public internet hotspot:

• Never use an internet hotspot for financial transactions or anything involving the transfer of personal or private information.
• Disable your wireless network card when not in use.
• Be extremely aware of others around you particularly if you are logging into accounts that require passwords or user information.
• Make sure your computer has adequate antivirus and firewall protections in place.
• Confirm in advance the network name and connection process with the host. There are cybercriminals that sometimes set up wireless networks in the vicinity of legitimate public networks, creating similar sign-in pages in order to trick unsuspecting users onto their networks.
• Turn off file sharing using your operating system’s network settings menu.
• Be extremely aware of suspicious behavior around you, and never leave any of your items unattended!
• Manually select the wireless network you plan to utilize rather than allowing your wireless card to auto-select.

Public internet hotspots are a convenient tool and can provide substantial benefits for users, but they must be approached with caution and used responsibly. Use these tips to protect your privacy and practice safe surfing. Readers, do you have any further tips or negative experiences with hotspots to add? If so, please share your knowledge by leaving a comment!

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