How to Protect a Laptop on a Public Wi-Fi

Remaining connected while traveling away from home or office has become a necessity. One common way of doing this is to use your laptop and an available Wi-Fi network. Browse the web for research, answer or read emails and doing a little banking on the run are a few examples of what you can accomplish. However, you'll need to take precautions when doing this because of hackers or identity thieves. With a couple of suggestions, you'll learn how to protect a laptop on a public Wi-Fi.

Things You'll Need

• Encryption software
• Public Wi-Fi
• Laptop
• Wireless feature
• Firewall
• Anti-virus software
• Network settings

Instructions

1. Use encryption software to protect your files. When using a public Wi-Fi, you'll be instantly placing your personal information at risk. Many hackers are waiting for an unprotected laptop to connect and invade the entire system. They're looking to steal your sensitive data such as banking information, usernames or passwords. With encryption software, this data will not be seen easily by others when transferring over the network. Two examples of encryption applications include Symantec Endpoint Protection and StuffIt Deluxe. Reviews of the latest encryption software can also be viewed on the Cnet website (see link in Resources).

2. Access legitimate Wi-Fi access points. Be extremely careful when connecting your laptop to unfamiliar Wi-Fi spots. Hackers cleverly create their own public Wi-Fi network to get unsuspecting users to gain access. Once you've connected to these bogus networks, all your unprotected data can be seen by them. In some cases, a hacker will also add numerous viruses, spyware and Trojans onto your laptop. After becoming infected, the hacker will have control over your laptop each time you connect to the Internet.

3. Protect your laptop with an updated firewall. Enable the firewall program installed on your laptop before connecting to a public Wi-Fi network. If you don't currently have one installed, consider purchasing one or downloading a free firewall. Usually, Windows computers have a built-in standard firewall to protect you from harmful intruders. A few examples of firewall applications include ZoneAlarm, Norton Internet Security and AVG Internet Security (see link in Resources).

4. Schedule regular anti-virus scans on your laptop. By doing this, you'll be able to keep tabs on any unauthorized changes performed on your system. If you run across an infected file, your anti-virus software will take you through the steps of isolating it and removing it before any real harm can be done. Update virus definitions for your anti-virus program regularly by scheduling it or doing it manually. Viruses and other threatening programs consistently change and can sometimes be difficult to identify without updated information. Avast, Norton Antivirus, AVG Antivirus and McAfee are only a few useful programs to keep your laptop protected on a public Wi-Fi connection.

5. Turn off the feature that allows you to connect to a Wi-Fi network automatically. This can usually be done by accessing the "Network Connections" section. You'll be able to view the current network connections on your laptop as well. Right click the "Wireless Network Connection" icon and select "Properties." Click the "Wireless Networks" tab when the box appears. In the "Preferred" networks area, click the name of your network and choose the "Advanced" link. Another box will appear for you to change the settings. Choose the "Access Point Networks Only" link and remove the check next to "Automatically Connect to Non-Preferred Networks." Click the "Close" button and then "OK" to finish the changes.

Tips & Warnings

• Turn off your Wi-Fi connection as soon as you've finished your web activities.

• Don't connect to a public Wi-Fi network just because it's free.

Resources

• Symantec Endpoint Protection
• Cnet Encryption Software Reviews
• Zone Alarm