Wi-Fi Hotspots Vulnerable to Computer Hackers
The FBI recently issued an alert warning that wireless Internet networks, often called Wi-Fi hotspots, are more vulnerable to hackers than most users probably realize.
Often the security of the free public networks is low and this setting make it very easy for a hacker working from anywhere around the world to use computer codes to peek into your computer and steal sensitive information.
Here are some tips from the FBI and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement on how to keep your personal computer data safe:
- Make sure your laptop security is up to date. That includes firewall, anti-virus and anti-spyware software. Spyware is a kind of program that can collect information from your computer without your knowledge. It’s sometimes used by companies that want to collect marketing information about people who log on to their Web site, but spyware has also been used by hackers who want to mine information from someone’s computer.
- When using a public Wi-Fi service, avoid logging into financial accounts of any kind because hackers might be able to monitor your computer from another location to see what you are typing and steal your login information. For the same reason, you also want to avoid logging into e-mail accounts and instant messaging services.
- When logging on to a site, glance at the address bar to check that you’re at an authentic Web page. Hackers set up fake Web pages that look like the real thing to trick people into typing in their log-in information. But you can tell which are the fake pages by glancing at the address bar. If the address is different from what you originally typed, don’t enter your personal information. Close your browser and leave the Wi-Fi network.
- Don’t use the same password for all your online accounts. That way if hackers steal a password, they won’t be able to use it at more than one Web site.
- Make sure your computer does not automatically log on to wireless networks. You can do this by adjusting the Internet security settings on your computer. As an added precaution, turn the computer off when you’re not around to ensure that it’s not picking up a wireless network signal.
source: bostonherald.com/business/technology/general/view.bg?articleid=1096994
I recently had a lady sitting next to me at SFO ask me if I knew anything about computers.
When I said yes, she explained she could not access the Internet. I asked what service she was using, she said whatever was available. I asked what AntiVirus, AntiSpyware and Firewall settings she had set up.
You guessed the answer already. The AV had expired 4 months ago, it came with the Dell.
I gave her a quick class on security. I wonder if it took.