Mobile Productivity Part III:
One of my customers asked me, “I’m planning to take my laptop to Europe, but I always hesitate to use it at Wi-Fi access because nothing is private and besides e-mail I also would like to do some banking. How can I do this safely?” This is what I told him about surfing safety.
Summertime and the road beckons. You pack up your laptop in the cool case you just bought and you are ready for anything, or are you? The Internet is everywhere and you can log on from almost anywhere from airports and hotels to campsites and parks. We have grown to expect Internet access wherever we go.
But before you go hook up to the universe, there are a few things you should keep in mind. Your data is flying through space and unless you protect it, it is at risk. The bad guys are pretty smart about this stuff so don’t make it easy for them to hack into your computer. Criminals have even created their own wireless networks that act and look like legitimate Wi-Fi access points. When you log into them, you run the risk of having your login data and private information like bank details, credit card numbers, social network passwords etc. falling into the wrong hands.
As much as I hate public access, it is a reality of life and one has to use them at times. My road computer is stripped down to basics. I don’t store any valuable information on it. I just use it on the road. Here are a few tips you can use for surfing safely this summer.
- Make sure all of your security software is up-to-date and all the definitions are current. This is imperative.
- Use a personal firewall. Individual laptop owners can use VIPRE if they are willing to give it permission for each laptop program. Otherwise, I recommend the Windows XP firewall.
NOTE: For Windows Firewall, when you are away from your office or home, click the checkbox to not allow exceptions. - Keep all your applications current as well; you want to makes sure that all patches are in place.
- Backup any personal info and documents.
- Make sure the wireless access point is legit. Check with the café, hotel, etc. staff to ascertain you are logging onto the proper network. Don’t be fooled by the rogue networks.
- Avoid doing financial transactions on public networks as much as possible. If you must, take every precaution: Log out when you are done and shut down your browser. Change your password when you get home.
- Look over your shoulder; you don’t want any spies watching you enter in your login information. (You would be surprised how often this occurs). You can purchase a laptop filter so passersby see only a dark screen. It also protects your screen from scratches and smudges.
This should help you keep your surfing safe. Stay alert!
P.S. If you’d like me to set up your laptop so it’s secure for travel, fill out a form or call 603-432-1603.
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