Online Security While Using Public Computers and WiFi
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Posted On :
Jan-17-2012
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Article Word Count :
600
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When you need to access something online, but you are away from your home or office computer, an open WiFi connection or public internet kiosk might seem like attractive options. However, there are a number of security risks involved whenever you connect to a wireless signal or use an unfamiliar computer.
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There are a number of ways to increase the security of one's information online while at home. One example is to use wired connections or, at the very least, secured wireless connections for your personal computers. Another example is learning how to identify phishing emails or other online fraud, which allows you to minimize the risk of becoming a victim of these crimes. These are just a few examples, but the point is that there is a lot you can do when it is your own equipment and network. However, what does one do to ensure privacy on public computers?
A public computer might include a variety of equipment, such as a simple desktop computer provided for customer use at a coffee shop, an internet kiosk at an airport terminal, or perhaps the display models at a computer store. Although these computers usually have wired connections, firewalls, and other security precautions, users still face a number of security concerns.
Keyloggers, physical or software-based means of capturing the characters a user types into a keyboard, can often be surreptitiously installed on a public computer without the operator's knowledge. If someone were to attach a keylogger to a public computer, leave it in place for a period of time to gather data, and then retrieve it, that individual might be in possession of hundreds of email logins, credit card numbers, corporate data, and a range of other sensitive information.
Another concern is WiFi security. Even so called "secured" wireless networks are anything but. Breaking a network's WPA security could be accomplished by even a novice would-be information thief. If WPA security is thought of as a roadblock that is easily compromised, cracking WEP security could be considered just a speed bump. Although establishments providing "free WiFi" to their patrons often use commercial-grade wireless routers, they have vulnerabilities just like a residential-grade router.
There are a range of other security concerns that exist when using a WiFi device or public computer as well, but this does not mean there are not ways to improve the security of your personal information online. The most obvious way would be to simply not use WiFi or public computers to access sensitive information or accounts. Do you really need to check your 401k while at a coffee shop? If you are the sort of person who forgets to log out of their email account, consider waiting until you are back at your own computer before logging in.
However, what is one to do when they really need some information from their company's server, but they are on the road and only an unsecured WiFi connection is available at their hotel? What happens if you need to make sure a check cleared? There are a number of reasons you might need a quick connection, but you need not put yourself at risk unnecessarily. Major banks offer apps for the iPhone and other phones. Mobile banking over a private 3G connection is a major improvement over unsecured public WiFi in terms of security.
Years ago, it was impossible to get cellular internet access without paying hundreds of dollars a month for what essentially amounted to a dialup connection. Nowadays, consumer-grade internet access through a blazing fast 4G connection can often be had for under $50 per month. Corporate solutions may include VPN functionality and other performance and security upgrades, allowing staff to access corporate data more securely while working outside the office. By paying for an internet connection through a data plan, you are making an investment in the security of your data.
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Article Source :
http://www.articleseen.com/Article_Online Security While Using Public Computers and WiFi_135226.aspx
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Author Resource :
The Philly answering service offered by Answering Pennsylvania is popular with companies all over Pennsylvania. Similarly, their Pittsburgh answering service is popular with taxi companies because they offer 24-hour telephone dispatch service.
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Keywords :
wpa security, security concerns, wifi security, online security, public computers, sensitive information,
Category :
Computers
:
Networks
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