Free Wireless Networks - Tips to Ensure Safe Browsing

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Wireless networks have made surfing the Internet a convenient and mobile experience. Most coffee shops, internet cafes, public libraries, and hotels now offer free wireless network access. In addition, the affordability of laptops and netbooks has made these public Wi-Fi hotspots even more popular. However, you must take precautions when using any of these free Wi-Fi hotspots. Since most public wireless networks do not use any type of wireless security protocols to encrypt your data, anyone on the same network can view your data. In addition, hackers usually hang out at places offering free wireless networks looking for their next victim.

It is crucial that you take the necessary steps to protect your PC before you connect to a public wireless network. You can do so by taking the following steps:

Use a Secure Connection: If you use the Internet for financial purposes like online banking or stock trading at places like an Internet cafe, verify the website is using a secure connection. When a secure connection is active, a padlock icon is visible at the bottom of your web browser. Another way to confirm that the website uses a secure connection is when its URL begins with https and not http.

Install a Firewall: Most places that offer Internet access have a router with a built-in firewall. Although this firewall will protect you from intruders and threats on the Internet, it offers no protection against threats on the wireless network. Therefore, make sure Windows firewall is enabled on your laptop or install a third-party software firewall when you surf the Internet on a free wireless network.

Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN): If you need to be absolutely certain your connection to the Internet is secure when using a free wireless network, then you should use a VPN connection. A VPN connection will encrypt the data you send from your laptop to the wireless router. Therefore, nobody else that is on the free wireless network can see what you are doing. You can subscribe to a VPN connection through a third-party provider for a monthly rate. Once you have a subscription, all you need to do is connect to VPN immediately after you connect to the public Wi-Fi network.

Use Antivirus and Antispyware Software: It is crucial that you have the real-time protection of an antivirus and antispyware software while you surf the Internet on a free wireless network. Make sure that your antivirus and antispyware software are updated with the latest security threat definitions. Having these security tools will protect your laptop from infections that maybe present on other laptops in the public Wi-Fi hotspot.

Free wireless networks are convenient since they allow users to access the Internet outside of their home or workplace. However, you have to be aware that these free networks are not secure. By following the  tips  presented in this article, you will keep your laptop and data safe while accessing the Internet on a free wireless network.

Following the  tips  in this article along with using a recommended antispyware tool will help keep your PC virus and spyware free when using a wireless network.

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Source by Peter Herme

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