You would surely have to take certain precautions in case you would like to use a netbook or Laptop which you would like to use on a Public Wi-Fi hotspot. These hotspots are available in several locations than before. You can follow these steps as it can keep the machine safe as well as secure:
Enable the firewall
Whether you use inbuilt firewall or some third party app ensures that it has been enabled prior to signing onto a public hotspot. Now click on start then Control Panel ensures View by selecting large icons then click Windows Firewall.
Thereafter choose Windows Firewall on or off. See to it that it is turned on under the work and public or home network location settings.
All sharing to be turned off
File and folder sharing is one of the major features in Windows 7 but when you're on a public network, you would like others to see data. In order to turn it off, click on network icon in taskbar and choose open network and sharing center. Thereafter click on changed advanced sharing settings hyperlink. Just turn off file and Printer Sharing. Thereafter turn off Public folder sharing. You would have to see that you save changes when done.
Make use of accurate Public Wi-Fi Connection
After connecting to public hotspot Windows would ask to choose a location for the Network. You should select Public Network. This would turn off Network discovery, File Sharing and Public Folder Sharing.
Make use of HTTPS Protocol
If you use regular HTTP protocol when connecting to a public network, all text information can be easily detected by a hacker. You would like to use HTTPS or SSL wherever possible. Also see to it that you are using https and looking for lock icon in lower right corner of the browser.
Private VPN
However not all sites which you visit would be protected with SSL encryption. If you want extra protection then use Virtual Private Network. This would allow you to route data traffic though a secure and separate network. There are several free subscription services which would do this for you. You can also consider setting own VPN on the system or on Windows Home Server.
Stop Wi-Fi when unused
In case you are not using any wireless connection when you are at a hotspot then just turn it off. This slips off the mind generally. In case work is planned and you know that you would have to be online for a certain amount of time then turn it off. Just click on Wireless icon on the Taskbar, then right-click the network which you are connected to and Disconnect.
Windows Update
Your system should be updated with latest security fixes from Microsoft. You can have a notification form Windows you when fixes are available and check them when you need it or not. Just install the updates and keep a check of what they are so that you can uninstall them in case you find that something is not working.
Keep antivirus software updated
This is obvious and important especially if the public network is large where malicious software loiters. Real-time scanning should be enabled no matter whatever brand of antivirus support you use.
Keep yourself informed about the people who operate the Wi-Fi Hotspot. You can also ask then regarding the type of encryption which is being used on the router. Never enter personal details connected to Wi-Fi Hotspot. You can use small locations like a coffee shop. In case you doubt then do not connect.
There is no fool proof solution to keep the data secure on a public Wi-Fi network from a hacker. However you can follow these basic guidelines to keep you safe.
Enable the firewall
Whether you use inbuilt firewall or some third party app ensures that it has been enabled prior to signing onto a public hotspot. Now click on start then Control Panel ensures View by selecting large icons then click Windows Firewall.
Thereafter choose Windows Firewall on or off. See to it that it is turned on under the work and public or home network location settings.
All sharing to be turned off
File and folder sharing is one of the major features in Windows 7 but when you're on a public network, you would like others to see data. In order to turn it off, click on network icon in taskbar and choose open network and sharing center. Thereafter click on changed advanced sharing settings hyperlink. Just turn off file and Printer Sharing. Thereafter turn off Public folder sharing. You would have to see that you save changes when done.
Make use of accurate Public Wi-Fi Connection
After connecting to public hotspot Windows would ask to choose a location for the Network. You should select Public Network. This would turn off Network discovery, File Sharing and Public Folder Sharing.
Make use of HTTPS Protocol
If you use regular HTTP protocol when connecting to a public network, all text information can be easily detected by a hacker. You would like to use HTTPS or SSL wherever possible. Also see to it that you are using https and looking for lock icon in lower right corner of the browser.
Private VPN
However not all sites which you visit would be protected with SSL encryption. If you want extra protection then use Virtual Private Network. This would allow you to route data traffic though a secure and separate network. There are several free subscription services which would do this for you. You can also consider setting own VPN on the system or on Windows Home Server.
Stop Wi-Fi when unused
In case you are not using any wireless connection when you are at a hotspot then just turn it off. This slips off the mind generally. In case work is planned and you know that you would have to be online for a certain amount of time then turn it off. Just click on Wireless icon on the Taskbar, then right-click the network which you are connected to and Disconnect.
Windows Update
Your system should be updated with latest security fixes from Microsoft. You can have a notification form Windows you when fixes are available and check them when you need it or not. Just install the updates and keep a check of what they are so that you can uninstall them in case you find that something is not working.
Keep antivirus software updated
This is obvious and important especially if the public network is large where malicious software loiters. Real-time scanning should be enabled no matter whatever brand of antivirus support you use.
Keep yourself informed about the people who operate the Wi-Fi Hotspot. You can also ask then regarding the type of encryption which is being used on the router. Never enter personal details connected to Wi-Fi Hotspot. You can use small locations like a coffee shop. In case you doubt then do not connect.
There is no fool proof solution to keep the data secure on a public Wi-Fi network from a hacker. However you can follow these basic guidelines to keep you safe.
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