Problem You want to protect yourself at public hotspots from snoopers and hackers. Solution Hotspots don't use encryption, which means that when you visit one, you're open to other hotspot users who may steal your passwords or private information that you send over the Internet. Additionally, when you're on a hotspot, you're on the same network with other hotspot users, and they may be able to exploit vulnerabilities to break into your PC. But there's a lot you can do to keep yourself safe:
Use a wireless Virtual Private Network (VPN) -
A wireless VPN will encrypt all the information you send and receive when you're online, so you'll be free from snoopers. An excellent one is HotSpotVPN (http://www.hotspotvpn.com). It's a breeze to set up and use; you won't even need to download any extra software, because you'll use it along with XP's built-in VPN software. The service isn't free, though; you'll have to pay $8.88 a month for it.
Use a personal firewall -
This will protect you from anyone trying to connect to your PC without your knowledge. XP's built-in firewall is a reasonable choice, although not the best. A better bet is the free Zone Alarm (http://www.zonealarm.com).
Turn off file sharing -
When you're on your home network, you might have enabled file sharing. Turn it off before logging onto a hotspot, unless you want the tattooed lad slurping high-octane double espresso to get access to all of the files on your system. Turn it off by running Windows Explorer, right-clicking the drive or folders you normally share, choosing Sharing and Security, and unchecking the box next to Share this folder on the network.
Avoid ad hoc mode -
When you use wireless ad hoc mode, someone can connect directly to your PC without your knowledge and browse your hard disk if you've enabled network file sharing. When you connect to a hotspot, there's no need to have ad hoc mode enabled, because hotspots work in infrastructure mode. So you should disable ad hoc mode before connecting to a hotspot. If you have SP2, to disable ad hoc mode, first click on the wireless connection icon in the Notification Area, then click the Properties button. Then click the Wireless Networks tab. In the Preferred Networks section of the screen, highlight your hotspot connection and click Properties. At the bottom of the Association tab, make sure the This is a computer-to-computer (ad hoc) network; wireless access points are not used box is unchecked.
Discussion When you connect to a hotspot, you're joining a network that includes everyone else connecting to that hotspot. Normally, networks, such as WiFi home networks, include only people that you can trust. But when you're at a public network, you're joined in a network with people you don't trust. That's why you need to take extra precautions when you connect to hotspots. If your business has a VPN, then there's no need to use HotSpotVPN, because you should be able to use that VPN for security at hotspots. Companies that run hotspots have started to recognize that security has become a problem, and some are doing something about it. The Boingo network of hotspots, for example, now incorporates security measures such as a VPN and WPA encryption. T-Mobile, as of this writing, says it will follow suit, but has yet to implement it. See Also For more information about potential dangers at hotspots, and how to protect yourself, see the PC Magazine article "HotSpot Hazards" at http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,4149,1277570,00.asp. |
