precaution while using wifi

Precaution while using WiFi

Taking precautions to protect your privacy when accessing the Internet through wireless networks.
11. Avoid accessing websites
Avoid accessing websites or services where you provide personal or private information since hackers could be monitoring your activities. We dont advise accessing secure websites from public hotspots, such as online banking sites, portfolio management sites, or other sites containing personal data. Email access can also be at risk.
12. Ensure your Web based email is secure
While your connection maybe secure, youll want to make sure that your individual email message is also secure. You will know whether a site uses encryption by its address. If it starts andhttps,and then it s a secure site. Without the ands,and you re making it easy for someone to watch you enter passwords and account numbers.Https sites encrypt the information that you submit online so that eavesdroppers just see mess of letters and numbers. If you want to use an email server, make sure you have the SSL enabled so no one can see your ID, password, or emails.
13. Protect yourself
Protect yourself by avoiding credit card transactions while using unencrypted Wi Fi hotspotsandsuch as those offered free in many businesses and restaurants. Sharing is great at home, but it s a liability on public Wi Fi. Considering that you probably don t have password protections on all of your files, literally anyone could browse through your computer. It doesn t take any special skills. When your computer is set to share, it s basically begging for other devices to take its information. If you have a Windows operating system, you can automatically block sharing by choosing the andpublicand network setting. You can also do this manually under Change Advanced Sharing Settings.
14. Log out of the sites you visit
Log out of the sites you visit, and turn off Wi Fi connections when not in use. Your computer is probably already setup to use its firewall software. You can double check to make sure you have this protection. Windows users should go to Control Panel, System and Security, and Firewall. Mac users can find firewall software under System Preferences, Security.
15. Install browser security
For added safety, install browser security add ons or plug ins on your device, and consider using a virtual private network (VPN) that adds encryption between your device and the Internetandeven over unsecured networks. Your personal firewall isn t going to keep out a determined, experienced hacker. But it does make it harder for someone to eavesdrop. That s often enough to persuade hackers that they should find an easier target.
16. Make sure your computer has the latest firewall software
Finally, make sure your computer has the latest firewall software, security patches and software updates. Check with your IT administrator or computer manufacturer for more details. If you want more protection, avoid public networks by using InternetServiceProvider.net to find a reliable mobile service provider. You ll have a private connection to the Internet no matter where you go.
17. Hackers
Hackers can target unsecured Wi Fi networks to capture users passwords and gain access to financial accounts and other sensitive data. The has FTC warned Wi Fi users to take precautions while using public Wi Fi networks to surf the web.
18. Don t use public networks to login
Don t use public networks to login to anything personal, even Web mail. Hackers are well aware that most people use the same passwords across everything from email to bank accounts. Only connect to the public Wi Fi when you need to use it. If you don t need it, disconnect or turn off your device. The more time you spend on the network, the more chances you give a hacker to break in and do something bad.
19. Automatic Connection
Change your Windows Wireless Network Connection properties from andAutomatic Connectionand (the default) to andOn Demandand to prevent your computer from automatically joining unsafe networks. Only connect to the public Wi Fi when you need to use it. If you don t need it, disconnect or turn off your device. The more time you spend on the network, the more chances you give a hacker to break in and do something bad.
20. Disable Your Wi Fi Adaptor When Not Using The Computer
Many devices today come with a hardware switch to turn on or off the wireless adaptor. Since you are not using the hotspot, there is no sense it keeping the computer connected to the network. People may hack into the computer and steal your data. It is advised that once you are finished with your work, turn off the adaptor if not the computer.