Public wireless networks
Wireless enabled laptops, PDAs or smartphones allow you to easily connect to the internet in public. The increasing availability of public WiFi ‘hotspots’ in places like cafés, airports, hotels and libraries makes getting online simple. However, there is a risk that criminals could steal your data and your computer could become infected with malicious software.
Steps to protect yourself when using public wireless networks
- Be careful about which hotspots you use. Avoid using hotspots that are run by people you don’t know or trust. Criminals set up hotspots known as ‘evil twins’ and ‘rogue hotspots’ to steal users’ information.
- Use encrypted networks. Encrypted networks are wireless networks that require you to log in with a password to use them. This means that less people are using them, and that there is less risk that criminals who are trying to steal your information are using them too. Choose networks with WPA2 and WPA encryption if they are available, because they are more secure than other types of encryption.
- Disable wireless networking when you are not using it. Whenever you are connected to the internet, criminals can try to attack your mobile device and steal your information. Reduce their opportunities to do this by turning off your device’s WiFi when you are not using it.
- Use anti-virus and firewall software, and update them regularly
- Do not type any passwords or credit card details. Criminals using the wireless network can steal them. If you must make sensitive transactions, only use secure websites (websites which have https:// in their address instead of http://).
- Encrypt sensitive information. If you keep personal or financial information on your computer, consider taking steps to encrypt and protect sensitive files and folders. Check your computer operating system’s help section to find out how to do this.
Further information
To stay informed on the latest computer network threats and vulnerabilities, sign up for the free E-security Alert Service.
