What's the issue?
Whether you are connecting to Wi-Fi (wireless networking) with your laptop, tablet, or smartphone... whether at home, at work, or in public... be aware that your privacy and security are vulnerable to hackers.
To clarify, Wi-Fi is not used when connecting to your cell provider's data network. It is accessed most commonly from a wireless router at home, work, or in a public setting.
Wi-Fi is not a secure transmission medium, even when encrypted. This means information you exchange across the wireless network is not secure--your confidential information. This includes casual websurfing, email use, and e-commerce.
To illustrate, when connecting to Wi-Fi at Starbucks (via the Google network there), you are presented with this snippet from their terms of use: "You understand that This Wi-Fi... is not inherently secure and that wireless communications may not remain private or free of interception or access by others. We will not be liable to you or any other party for any lack of security that may result from your use of This Wi-Fi..."
Google is making it crystal clear that Wi-Fi is not inherently secure and that you are responsible for your own security. This applies anywhere you are using Wi-Fi, especially outside of your home or business network, which hopefully you have already secured--that is, reduced, not eliminated, the risk of hacking by using the best encryption available.
How to best protect yourself when using Wi-Fi?
Without getting too technical, a best practice is to only use Wi-Fi when connected via a VPN (Virtual Private Network). One program providing this type of protection is Hotspot Shield by AnchorFree. They offer free and paid versions.
After you install their program, whenever you connect to Wi-Fi, you can run the shield to access the Internet via a secure, encrypted tunnel (VPN).
You can obtain the Hotspot Shield software here.
When should you do it?
Any time you connect to Wi-Fi do so via VPN. If you can't, be very careful about what you do online. For example, avoid banking, shopping, and any sites that require password login.
You now know what to do as a user of Wi-Fi. In addition, here are some best practices for setting up Wi-Fi at your home or office.
Who can help?
If this all seems too technical but you are concerned and want to be better protected, you may want to hire an IT consultant. This is an especially good investment if you are responsible for data security in an office environment.
In Sum
Wi-Fi is wonderful technology. It gives us access to online resources in diverse locations worldwide. However, we must reduce the security risks when using it so we don't get taken advantage of, which is increasingly common.
Thanks for reading. You're feedback is appreciated!
Aloha, Sam
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