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How to Stay Safe when Using Public Wi-Fi Connections

Identity Theft

We all love to settle down in our neighborhood coffee shop with a cup of our favorite custom blend coffee and our trusty laptop. Because many of today’s public locations, like coffee shops, airports, hotels and libraries offer free Wi-Fi connections, more and more people are now setting up shop and doing everything from checking their emails to working in public places.

But how secure are public Wi-Fi connections, and can you really trust them to keep your personal information safe when shopping online with credit cards?

The bottom line is that public Wi-Fi connections just aren’t as secure as your home or office connection, and the ability of someone to hack into your computer by someone sharing the same public connection is quite good.

In fact, the only thing that is secured over public Wi-Fi connections is your log-in information. The problem, it seems, is that technology has been zooming along at lightning speed, and the security for that technology just isn’t keeping up.

Many of us love the convenience and practicability of using a public Wi-Fi connection and, luckily, there are a number of things you can do to better safeguard your personal information:

• If you work on public Wi-Fi networks frequently, consider using a mail website that encrypts your data. You can easily tell whether your mail is encrypted by looking for the closed padlock icon that is usually located to the right of the address.
• If you check your email, shop with credit cards, or surf the Web using your mobile device, make sure it is updated with all the latest security updates.
• Consider using virtual private networks, most commonly known as VPNs. VPNs encrypt all of the information that you send and receive online. Some employers have already begun implementing VPNs, so check with your employer about this option.
• Consider using paid Wi-Fi instead of free Wi-Fi. You can purchase a wireless card through any of the phone carriers. Your own private Wi-Fi access will provide a more secure connection, particularly if you work away from home on a regular basis.

College Students Beware: Learn about Identity Theft before Heading Back to School

Identity Theft

Technology has proven itself to be an evil necessity. Although it has afforded us many ways to communicate and to give and receive information almost instantaneously, it has also opened the door for thieves that nearly effortlessly get a hold of our personal information and use it to steal our money and our identity.

One area that appears to be a hotbed for identity theft is on college campuses.

The following list details the steps you can take to protect yourself and your personal information while you are away at college:

1. Perhaps one of the biggest mistakes college students make is simply forgetting to lock the door to their dorm room or campus apartment. A good lock is the first step in preventing the theft of your personal belonging, as well as your computer and related equipment, which likely have stored, personal and financial information.
2. Use password protection on both your desktop and laptop and change the password often. A simple password for your computer can prevent a great deal of damage to your personal and financial information; and luckily, every computer is equipped with this feature.
3. Be very careful about revealing any personal or financial information on social networking sites or through email. Never, ever respond to an email claiming to be your bank or credit card company, and think twice before providing information, such as your address and birthdate, on social networking sites such as Facebook, MySpace and Twitter.
4. Consider installing a tracking device on your laptop. Tracking devices, which use GPS technology, are surprisingly affordable.
5. Don’t underestimate the power of a good anti-virus and firewall program. This is one area that it pays to shop around and do your homework. Purchase the best and always remember to update it frequently.
6. Beware of public places with Wi-Fi access. Using Wi-Fi services at your campus café is convenient and practical, but it may also not offer you a secure connection. Therefore, it is wise to never engage in personal or financial business (i.e., checking your bank account balance, paying bills, etc.) while connected to a Wi-Fi system.