Posted by admin on July 15th, 2009 in Parenting, Technology, Travel

I travel sporadically  and I always take my laptop.    As do my teenagers.  I wrestle with Wifi usage all the time…Where IS the closest Hotspot? Is there a charge?   Is it a strong signal?    Can I work there?  And, the very last question I ask myself ….Is it safe to use?  Wrong order of importance, I know.  I wish I had a little  wifi bubble that  followed me around (even in my car for carpool line downtime).

If I traveled just a little more frequently I would invest in a broadband card which would allow me to carry my hotspot with me, making for a safe, immediate way to work on the go.    I’ve also heard of a cool device that basically is a “hotspot on the go” that allows for up to five users (perfect for a family or a group of workers traveling together).  Pardon me, I’m getting off topic….

The reality is  hotspots are big  business.  They  are a $3.46 billion business.  And,  cybercriminals have started to take advantage of unsuspecting wireless users. Trusting unfamiliar wireless networks could mean we are trusting our information to fake networks created by cybercriminals who are waiting  to steal our information. A man in the middle attack happens when cybercriminals make users believe they are viewing a legitimate secure environment (i.e. a bank account website) when in actuality the cybercriminal is intercepting any information being entered.

Kaspersky Labs sent me some quick suggestions about Wi-Fi hotspots.  I would also highly recommend this article by Christian Funk at Viruslist.com – he does a very thorough job of explaining how creeps can get at you via a hotspot.

Encrypt Sensitive Data

There are special and free programs that allow you to create encrypted files that can only be opened with a password. If you lose your laptop, encrypted sensitive data will remain private.

Implement an Internet Security Solution

Such solutions provide network protection modules like a firewall and HIPS (Host Intrusion Prevention System). These functions are a protective barrier between malicious content and your computer. They keep the bad stuff out.

Always install updates on your machine.

Make sure you have the latest version of your operating system and third-party application software.

Be Mindful of Your Activities

Unfamiliar networks should always be looked at with skepticism. Never provide personal account information if you are unsure of the source.

Teenagers love their mobility, so do we.  If we can pass along some good advice to them about using wifi hotspots, it might keep them a little safer.