Public wireless networks, often referred to as hotspots, are springing up all over. Many chains such as Starbucks Coffee, Borders Books, and McDonalds’ have started adding wireless network access to their establishments through services providers. Major hotel chains have gone from no access to dial-up access to broadband access, and now many are offering wireless network access. Many airports and college campuses have wireless networks as well. It seems like every week someplace new pops up where you can surf the Web while you’re out and about.

It is perilous enough jumping onto the Internet using your own network in the comfort of your home, but sharing an unknown network and not knowing if the network or the other computers are secure adds some new concerns. Some of the things you must do to use a public wireless network securely are just simple rules of computer security no matter what network you’re connecting to, while others are unique to accessing a public wireless network.

Install Up-to-Date Antivirus Software
For starters, you should make sure you have antivirus software installed and that it is up-to-date.You don’t know what, if any, protection the network perimeter offers against malware or exploits, or whether or not the other computers on the network with you are trying to propagate some malware. You also need to make sure that your operating system and applications are patched against known vulnerabilities to help protect you from attack.

Install a Personal Firewall
Your computer should have personal firewall software installed. Again, you have no way of knowing offhand if the network you are joining is protected by any sort of firewall or perimeter security at all. Even if it is, you need the personal firewall to protect you not only from external attacks, but also from attacks that may come from the other computers sharing the network with you.

Password Protection
As a standard rule of computer security, you should make sure that your critical, confidential, and sensitive files are password protected. In the event that any attacker or casual hacker happens to infiltrate your computer system, it is even more important that you protect these files when joining a public wireless network. Make sure you restrict access to only the User Accounts that you want to access those files and use a strong password that won’t be easily guessed or cracked.

Disable Sharing
More importantly, it is vital that you disable file and folder sharing.This is even more critical if you happen to be using Windows XP Home edition because of the way Windows XP Home manages file and folder sharing and uses the Guest account with a blank password for default access to shared files and folders. Some attackers or malware may still find their way into your system, but that is no reason to leave the door unlocked and a big neon sign welcoming visitors.

[tags]Use Public Wireless Networks Safely[/tags]