Using public Wi-Fi to connect to the Internet is a frequent occurrence these days – whether you are traveling, working from your favorite coffeehouse, or at your public library. The use of public Wi-Fi is now commonplace for most of us and most everyone has grown comfortable with its prevalent availability. While there are many advantages attached to public Wi-Fi, it’s important to be aware of certain security issues that need to be addressed when using it. The name itself should be a clue…PUBLIC (unsecure)…not private (secure). Because there are people out there waiting to take advantage of public Wi-Fi users who are not savvy about protecting the information on their computer, we thought it would be prudent to put together a list of tips for safeguarding your information and how to use public Wi-Fi wisely and safely.

You need to be very careful when sending information (data) over public Wi-Fi networks because it is usually completely insecure unless you take proactive security steps on your own. Public networks don’t provide encryption between your mobile device and nearby access points, so it’s up to you to implement a form of end-to-end encryption between your laptop and the server that you’re communicating with on the other end. In spite of the potential for security breaches, there are several simple steps you can take to keep yourself protected when you connect to the Internet using a public wireless system:

1. Turn off file sharing on your computer. This will prevent ‘snoopers’ from reading through the documents on your computer.
2. Ensure that your e-mail login and e-mail transfer uses SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) encryption. If not, hackers can easily read your e-mails as they’re flying through cyberspace. If you are unfamiliar with setting up SSL encryption, ask for help from your organization’s help desk, your Internet Service Provider (ISP) or from your software vendor.
3. If you must make a purchase over the Internet using a public wireless service, be sure to only use secure (SSL) Web sites when placing credit card orders. Most sites offer SSL, but not all of them. Without the use of a secure site, you’re broadcasting your credit card numbers to potential hackers in the area. You’ll know you are using a secure site if a little icon that looks like a lock appears on the status bar of your Web browser. It should also show up directly in the url as https:// (that little ‘s’ is the difference between secure and unsecured).
4. Don’t forget your firewall. A firewall blocks hackers from infiltrating your system and keeps it free from viruses and spyware that can steal your personal information, passwords, and financial data. Firewall software exists within both Windows and Mac OS X, although many people have complaints about the firewall in Windows Vista. The firewall built into Mac OS X is actually very good. Windows users who want to find a good, free solution can go with Zone Alarm Free. If you are a Mac user and you’re looking for additional protection, you should check out Little Snitch. Firewall programs are also part of any anti-virus software that you may have purchased for your computer (Norton, McAfee, or AVG for example).
5. Speaking of virus software, make sure it is up to date. Whether you use AVG, Norton, McAfee, or another program update it religiously and especially before taking off on an extended trip where you will be using multiple public Wi-Fi hotspots.
6. Avoid using Internet Explorer (sorry Microsoft…truth hurts). Internet browsers like Firefox, Opera, and Safari are simply less of a target for hackers and also have fewer exposed vulnerabilities that can be exploited.
7. If you are using Public W-Fi when accessing corporate servers and applications, use VPN (virtual private network) client software on your mobile device (most large companies require the use of VPNs when employees use Wi-Fi and Ethernet public networks). The VPN client communicates with the corporate server and encrypts everything on an end-to-end basis.
8. Disconnect from the wireless network when you aren’t using it. This may sound silly, but it’s helpful. If you’re working on a document or spreadsheet, why do you need to be connected and leave your system vulnerable? Turn off your Bluetooth connection too. Both of these are “electronic doorways” into your devices…close them when they aren’t needed.
9. Use your own encryption software. Use it on your local drive and on external devices such as flash drives and SD cards. A good resource for free encryption software is TrueCrypt. Their software is available for Windows Vista/XP, Mac OS X, and Linux.
10. If you’re on the go and depend heavily on Public Wi-Fi, you may want to consider an alternative method of connecting to the Internet. There are several good cellular wireless plans available now that offer great coverage. While some of these require contracts and can be a little on the pricy side ($60/month), there are a couple of services that offer pay as you go plans now. One such plan that is gaining in popularity is the Virgin Mobile Broadband2 Go system. You are required to purchase your own USB device from them (approx. $150 at Best Buy), but then you can purchase time in several different, affordable blocks depending on your needs. This is a great alternative to using Public Wi-Fi and ensures a safe, encrypted connection wherever you need to work.

Many of these tips are “common sense” items that you may already know about and implement. Unfortunately, many of us ASSUME that we have these systems in place and they are actively protecting our devices. In listing all of them here, we hope to remind you of many of the steps that you have in place and inspire you to double check your security. We also hope that there may one or two recommendations here that you haven’t thought of previously that will simply add another level of security for you when you need to use a Public Wi-Fi service.