Complete guide to Wi-Fi Security at Hot-Spots

.Wi-Fi hotspots present a unique challenge with respect to security especially because of the unknown computers sharing the same local network with you. Unlike your network at home or dorms or office networks, public hotspots whether at cafe centers or hotels usually broadcast their SSID’s, more often than not lack WEP or WPA encryption and definitely do not implement any kind of MAC filtering. After all, turning on any of these functions would negate the “public” aspect of hotspots.

That said, even if these public hotspots used closed networks and enabled encryption on their networks, making their customers go through hoops to get connected, there would still be no way to tell a “legitimate” client from a “malicious” one out to hack other customers’ data. Anyone with a credit card can sign up for hotspot service. So what can you do to protect yourself at a public hotspot? Plenty…

So, what is a hotspot? A hotspot is a wireless local area network (LAN) that provides high-speed Internet and virtual private network (VPN) access in public locations, such as coffee shops, libraries, hotels, and even some airports.

Install a firewall

A firewall helps protect your mobile PC by preventing unauthorized users from gaining access to your computer through the Internet or a network. It acts as a barrier that checks any information coming from the Internet or a network, and then either blocks the information or allows it to pass through to your computer. If you’re running Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 2, Windows Firewall is turned on by default for all network and Internet connections. If you feel the need for more security an excellent addition is the free version of ZoneAlarm.

To turn on Windows Firewall:

Allow only connections to approved access points

An access point is where your wireless network links to a wired system. By allowing only connections to certain access points, you can ensure that you don’t pick up other Wi-Fi networks or unintentionally allow unauthorized users access to your mobile PC.

To allow only connections to approved access points:

Disable Wi-Fi ad-hoc mode

Wi-Fi runs in two modes: infrastructure mode, which you use when you connect to a network; and ad-hoc mode, when you connect directly to another PC. If you’ve enabled ad-hoc mode, there’s a chance that someone near you can establish an ad-hoc connection to you without your knowledge, and they’ll then have free reign in your PC. So when you’re in a hotspot, make sure that ad-hoc mode is turned off.

To disable Wifi ad-hoc mode:

Make your folders private

When the folders on your mobile PC are private, it’s more difficult for hackers to access your files.

To make a folder private:

Password-protect your files

You can protect your files further by requiring a password to open or modify them. Because you must perform this procedure on one file at a time, consider password-protecting only the files that you plan to use while working in a public place. A good recommendation is to carry all your data on an encrypted USB flash drive. Many flash drives include encryption features. This way, even if someone somehow gets into your PC, they won’t be able to read or alter any of your data

Use Email encryption

As you beam emails from your laptop to the wireless access point and back, or as you enter your username and password to check your bank account balances someone nearby can be intercepting those packets of data as they fly by. Much of the information — even information that you might think should be encrypted — is sent in clear text. That means that the person intercepting those packets may be able to read your emails or learn your passwords. A lot of the current generation email software include encryption features that encrypt messages and attachments. So turn on email encryption when you’re at a hotspot. If you are using Outlook 2003, select Options from the Tools menu, click the Security tab, and then check the box next to “Encrypt contents and attachments for outgoing messages.” Then click OK. Also, if possible, use web-based email when you are connecting at a public hotspot. These websites like GMail use secure sockets layer(SSL) which help protect your data while it is being transmitted.

Turn off wireless when you are not using it

When you’re using your mobile PC in a public place but you are not connected to a wireless network, you should turn off your wireless device. You can either remove your Wi-Fi card or press the manual hardware button on your computer if you’re using a Centrino-based mobile PC. In addition to protecting your computer from hackers, turning off wireless when you don’t need it helps save battery power.

Also, make sure the hotspot is a legitimate one. So before connecting at a hotspot, ask someone at the counter of the cafe the name of the hotspot, because someone may have set up another one, in the hopes of luring in the unwary. Other must do’s include keeping your OS and applications up to date. Make sure you are using an Anti-Virus software and that it is up to date as an antivirus software is only as good as its last update. Also, Don’t leave your laptop alone. Had too many lattes and need to hit the rest room? Don’t leave your laptop behind. Laptop thefts are getting increasingly common at hotspots. By selecting the best connection method for your needs and by being aware of security pitfalls when working in public places, you can enjoy productive and safe work sessions remotely.