In a previous article we covered how to protect a computer screen from visual eavesdropping through the use of special plastic screen filters. In this article we discuss how to protect your laptop from being eavesdropped on electronically while using open wireless access points.
Anyone that uses the free, open wireless Internet services that are springing up all around the world should take a quick lesson in wireless security before going on line. Unless the computer is set up correctly and proper security precautions taken, much of the data received and sent from the computer can be monitored by anyone sitting nearby. In some cases, the criminal may not even be in the same room but still have access to files, data, and passwords that are transmitted wirelessly over the local Wi-Fi network. Use these tips to prevent your financial information, passwords, and other private information from being the target of an electronic thief.
Think Twice Before Connecting To Unsecured Networks
Any time a laptop connects to an “unsecured wireless network” the data transmitted back and forth between the computer and the wireless hub can be easily detected and read by any other computer with the proper “sniffing” software. Because of this, a user should never do anything on a free, unsecured Wi-Fi connection that could compromise the security of personal or private information. Unless connecting to a web site with an https: address (which dynamically encrypts the transmissions for that individual page), never provide credit card numbers or other financial information over an unsecured network.
Computer Security Risks Are Not Always Obvious
There are many different tools used by hackers and thieves to steal this information. In most cases the thief may not even look like he is doing anything strange. A handheld computer or other device, concealed in a bag or coat pocket can actively search for such unencrypted signals and store them to a hard drive to be analyzed later.
Unsecured Networks Leave A Laptop Computer Open To Attacks
Using a computer on an unsecured network also means that a thief could actively try to infiltrate an unsuspecting users computer, damaging or copying files and planting viruses. To prevent this type of attack while using a free Wi-Fi connection, make sure that some type of software firewall software is installed on the computer. Zone Labs and other companies make free or shareware firewall applications that can prevent hackers from gaining easy access to a computer’s files.
Next: Internet Security Software- How To Safeguard Your Important Files
