Keep IT Simple

Coffee shops, libraries and parks now offer free Wifi connection that you can virtually go online without the monthly fees. All you need to do is to go these places and you’ll have unlimited access to the internet. That really sounds good however; there have been constant reports where Wifi hotspots have been used by hackers to gain access to personal information. That’s possible since being connected in a Wifi is like being connected to a Local Area Network (LAN) where you can easily connect to each others computer, even without permission.

Here are some practical tips on how you can protect your computer from being accessed through Wifi hotspots.

1. Disable Ad-Hoc Mode – Being on Ad-Hoc mode doesn’t even require you to be on Wifi. If you are on this mode, you are allowing people to access your computer. That means when someone is scanning the network, hackers may notice that you are on Ad-hoc mode and they could access your personal folders. Although they are off by default you can check this setting by right clicking on the wireless icon and then Status > Properties > Wireless Network > Select the Network Connection > Properties > Association. Look for the box that says “this is a computer-to-computer (ad-hoc) network” and uncheck the box if they are checked.
2. Never Enable Folder Sharing – sharing folders in the Wifi is an open invitation to ANYONE. Even though they are not hackers, they can easily get in by checking the LAN connection and clicking on each computer for the available folders. You will know if folder sharing is enabled when you see a hand under the folder. Disabling them is very easy. Right click on the shared folder and go to sharing. Uncheck the box that says “share this folder on the network” and click ok. You can enable this again by simply going back to this page.
3. Use only legitimate access point – don’t just connect to an SSID that says “tmobile” or anything familiar. Anyone could use this name so that you could access the network where they set up to monitor your internet activity. To make sure you are connected to a legitimate network, look for a list of legitimate networks online. This list always comes with the SSID so that you’ll know which one is good and which one is doubtful.
4. Upgrade your Firewall – if you’re on Vista, you don’t need to worry about Firewalls as Vista is really heavy in security. For other OS, it’s better to download Firewall programs. Although some are a bit intrusive, it’s always better to ensure you are protected really well.
5. Use your USB – preferably, buy an encrypted ISB flash drive. Instead of using the software inside your computer, use your USB as your personal hard drive. There are lots of useful software that can be launched right from the USB. That way, hackers may monitor your activity but will never gain access to your personal hard drive and internet history.