How to protect yourself while using public Wi-Fi hot spots on your laptop.

Public Wi-Fi spots are popping up all over the place.  This great new technology allows people easier access to the internet from more and more public places than ever before.  Who would have ever thought you’d be able to use the Internet for free, let alone for free while enjoying a cup of coffee or a bite to eat at your favorite public hot spot?  However, with any great new technology, there is a certain set of people looking to take advantage of unknowing users. By practicing the steps outlined below, you can protect yourself from criminals while taking advantage of Public Wi-Fi hot spots.

Anytime a Wi-Fi hot spot is freely open to the public, there is a good possibility the information on your computer and the information you send over the internet could also be available to other users on the same hot spot.  Through 3^rd party software and other widely available programs, your personal interaction on your laptop can be easily seen or grabbed by people with less than honest intentions.

Here are some of the steps you can take to protect yourself and make sure your private information stays private even while using a public Wi-Fi hot spot.

When surfing the Internet from a public hot spot, avoid paying bills or visiting sites that require username and passwords.  Programs known as “sniffers” can be used to track real-time exactly what you are browsing and typing.  If you absolutely MUST visit a website to pay a bill online, or order a product with your credit card, be sure that the URL contains HTTPS in the heading instead of HTTP.  Any website you are browsing that has HTTPS in the address bar is encrypted so that is cannot be stolen by “sniffer” programs.

The next step to take in protecting yourself while using public Wi-Fi spots is to make sure have some type of software firewall, anti-virus program, and all available operating system updates.  When connected to the Internet using public Wi-Fi, you are joining an internal network of everyone else who is already on the public Wi-Fi network.  Meaning those people sharing that public Wi-Fi around you could potentially access data and information on your computer, even if you aren’t surfing the Internet.  By using up-to-date software firewalls, anti-virus, and operating system updates you can add a layer of protection between yourself and other users on the public Wi-Fi.

Finally look out for any wandering eyes.  If you are accessing or typing confidential information be sure to look over your shoulder occasionally.  Pretend you are at an ATM and there is a big group of people behind you watching.  You want to apply that same thought process when in public areas using Wi-Fi, especially since anyone “spying” on you won’t be so obvious.  Alternatively, you can purchase a “screen blocker” that covers your laptop’s monitor and makes it impossible for anyone to see activity on your monitor unless they are looking at it straight on.

Don’t be alarmed or overwhelmed by all the possible negatives of using public Wi-Fi.  If you follow and apply these tips, your public Wi-Fi sessions should be safe and secure.