
Traveling with one's Wi-Fi (wireless) laptop was once the purview of business road warriors. No more. These days, many of us take our laptops everywhere we go, even on vacations and weekend getaways. Learn how to protect yourself when using Wi-Fi
the next time you travel.
Cyber Pickpockets
Travelers have long been advised to watch
out for pickpockets (still a good idea).
Allow us to advise you about the new
threat, the cyber thief. Like the pickpocket,
the cyber thief can relieve you of your
ID, money, and credit cards. The only
difference is the cyber thief steals them
via your Wi-Fi connection instead of
your pocket
Evil Twins, Spies and Eavesdroppers
Wherever you travel, you're likely to find
Wi-Fi networks to join. Which ones are
valid and secure and which are not is often
very difficult to ascertain. Our essential
advice is to be cautious, vigilant and use
up-to-date Internet security software.
It's easier to be cautious and vigilant when
you know what to watch out for. Here are
some of the more common threats in the
traveler's Wi-Fi world -
- Evil Twins are Wi-Fi networks that
appear to be legitimate, but are not. They
are dummy networks that borrow the
name and appearance of an airport, hotel,
or national Wi-Fi provider. You give them
your credit card information to log on
and they give you a financial nightmare.
- Spies use readily available spyware to
break into your online connection and
record everything you do. The spy may be
a guy sitting in a car outside your hotel,
or another laptop-carrying traveler in an
airport boarding area.
- Eavesdroppers may sit next to or behind
you in an airport, on a plane or in a
café. They can see your credit card, bank
account number or password as you key
it in. They can read your screen and see
anything from your itinerary to your
email address. Be aware.
Here are a few tips that will help
you stay out of Wi-Fi trouble while
you're traveling
- Always turn off your Wi-Fi function
when you're not using it. That gives the
bad guys less time to find you.
- Ditto Bluetooth. If you're using it, set it to
"hidden." If you're not using it, turn it off.
- Avoid making online financial
transactions whenever you are on a
public Wi-Fi network. Always assume the
network is not secure. Better to be safe.
- Make sure your Internet security is up to
date before you leave home. It's your best
protection.
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