WiFi hotspots, which are areas where people can log on to a wireless network just by bringing a laptop, seem to be everywhere these days. You find them not only in the library but also at the coffee shops and even many McDonald’s franchises. They attract telecommuters and others who are looking for a comfortable place to log on away from home. And they also attract identity thieves.
If you ever partaken of one of these hotspots, you know that you don’t have to do much to access the network. Often, all you have to do is plug in your computer and click on the network name. This simple access is what makes hotspots desirable in the first place, but it’s also a lot of what puts patrons at risk.
Since the wireless signal is sent through radio waves, any thief with a receiver can get access to any personal information you type in while you are connected to the network. It’s unlikely that there is any kind of encryption in place to block such access.
Another high tech risk is that a hacker will set up his or her own network similar in name to the official one. If you log on to this network, he or she can request personal information, such as your credit card number, or redirect your machine to a phishing website or one that contains a virus.
Finally, there are low tech risks. Mainly, a person can simply look over your shoulder when you are typing in sensitive information or steal your laptop while you are distracted.
To help protect yourself from hotspot haunters, consider the following tips:
*Never leave your computer unattended, even for a second.
*Don’t use file sharing programs or online banking sites at the hotspot.
*Ask an employee what the legitimate network name is before you log on.
*Change the settings on your wireless card so that it does not connect automatically.
*Download all of the updates for your antivirus program before you connect your computer.
*Situate yourself against a wall, if possible, so it’s difficult for someone to look over your shoulder.
Another thing you can do to help keep yourself safe is register for an identity theft protection service. While a protection plan will not directly protect you while you are tinkering on your laptop at the library, it will indirectly keep your information safe at that time and any other. That’s because it will keep an eye on your credit and notify you if anything fishy, or phishy, for that matter, is going on.
It’s easy to sign up for a plan, and there are a lot to choose from. In fact, you can even research plans while you’re in the hotspot. However, wait to register until you get home or to another secure location. It would be rather ironic if a thief chose just that moment to peer over your shoulder and write down bits of your personal data.