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Wi-Fi Hotspot Security Tips

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Wi-Fi hotspot is dangerous! Don’t simply connect to it! Here are some wi-fi hotspot security tips you can apply, so that you can connect to Wi-Fi hotspot safely.

  Use VPN to Encrypt the Network Traffic :
 Try to establish VPN (Virtual Private Connection) back to your home or office if possible when you are connecting to public wireless network. VPN will encrypt the network traffic when it travels through the air. If you don’t have VPN access, then please ensure you use SSL (HTTPS) secure access whenever you login your email account or perform online financial transactions. Check your favorite browser, if you see https:// at URL address bar or small padlock icon at the bottom of your browser, that means the data you send in that page is encrypted.https - SSL encrypted page
In addition, please don’t use those applications, such as ftp, telnet, pop or imap that send data without encryption and you should replace them with similar applications with encryption (vsftp, ssh, scp, pops, imaps).

How to Detect Evil-Twin Hotspot :
Be careful by not connecting to evil-twin hotspot (fake hotspot). The login or payment for wi-fi hotspot access should be encrypted by SSL (this is basic wi-fi hotspot security), so that there is no leaking of your account information. Also the SSL certificate should be legitimate and valid for ensuring that this wi-fi service is provided by trustworthy provider.
You can check the SSID and other network information with staffs nearby too, so that you know whether it’s fake hotspot.

Secure your Operating System:
Please patch your Windows or other operating system (OS) with latest patches for fixing security and application bugs, otherwise your OS would be compromised easily by the new exploits. You should also disable file sharing feature when you connect to public wi-fi network. Most people will share files at home without password protection, and forget to disable it when connecting to hotspot. setup personal firewall is an effective method to drop those unauthorized access to your notebook and improve wi-fi hotspot security as well.

Don’t Use Public Computers :
Don’t use public computer that are prepared at hotspots if possible. Since you don’t know what applications have been installed on those computers, so better don’t use it.
Who knows those computers are installed with key-logger program, or already infected by virus or worm.

Beware of Notebook Theft :
Look after the physical security of your notebook! Remember to use cable lock to lock your notebook at public wi-fi hotspot!! It’s easy to use, just simply loop the cable around immovable object and hook the lock into special security slot on your notebook. Also secure your notebook with a hard disk password for providing additional measure of protection.
You can use alarm system or movement sensor to better secure your notebook as well.