5 Simple Tips on Surfing at Hot Spots

The common assumption is that the scores of existing hot spots and those in the pipeline are safe. For your own protection, don’t assume. Many of these wireless surfing places are set up by public agencies like communities clubs, companies providing extra customer service.

But there could just be a hacker hopping for fish your credit card number out from the network you are on. Whether you are using Wi-Fi enabled mobile phones or notebook computer, follow these tips, which should foil the most determined for attackers.

1. Install an anti virus and firewall software.
This is the most basic security measurement that will help you detect any attempts to break into and install malicious software like keyloggers on your computer.

2. Do not send confidential information over public networks.
If you must do so, ensure that you type in the site address yourself, and it is a secured site. Check your bank or credit card account to ensure that no un-authorised transactions have been made.

3. If you are on office notebook computer with virtual private network (VPN), use it.
This creates a safe tunnel through which information can travel. This is critical in situations when you cannot trust the public network provider.

4. Turn-Off file sharing.
Windows XP allows you to set passwords so that anybody trying to download files from your computer will be asked for password.
To do this, go to Control Panel, Network Connections. Right-click Local Area Network, select Properties, and uncheck File and Printer Sharing for Microsoft Networks.

5. Read the warning.
It is easier to pay attention to boring warning, don’t ignore the security warning message and never check the “never show this again” option than to deal with fraud.