Connecting to the Internet on an unsecured network may put your data at risk.
A laptop can use any public or private network connection the user has permission to access, regardless of whether or not the network itself is secured. Users should be forewarned that using a non-secured network connection does entail some risk, particularly to your privacy and data. If you decide to use an unsecured network, take precautions to protect yourself against possible hacking or intrusion.
Risks
When using an unsecured network, your data is transmitted over the network without encryption. Anyone on the network with the right software, such as a packet sniffer or other scanner application, can potentially see what you're transmitting. A laptop computer may also be compromised by a malicious user hacking into it over the unsecured network. Malicious users can steal, corrupt or even destroy data without a user suspecting until it is too late.
Precautions
Protect your browsing habits by connecting to websites using a secure connection. Secure website URLs begin with https:// rather than the usual http://.Websites like Gmail and Facebook have an option to connect securely. Windows 7 allows you to control the type of security on your network connection. When connecting to a network you know is not secured, choose the "Public" network option, which will automatically raise your computer's defenses. Turn off any file sharing that you may have active on your laptop, such as file or folder sharing or sharing from applications like iTunes. If you have a software firewall, configure it to its highest setting to help keep malicious users out.
Virtual Private Networks
If you know you'll have to use an unsecured network connection a regular basis, consider using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) connection. VPNs are often used by companies to allow their employees secure, private access into their corporate intranets. VPNs can also be used as a way of securely encrypting your network traffic over an unsecured network connection. StrongVPN and OpenVPN are two companies that offer end-user VPN services. Hotspot Shield is a free, ad-supported application that uses VPN technology to securely transmit data over an open connection.
Alternatives
Whenever possible, use a secure network connection to help protect your laptop and your data. Public wireless Internet connectivity varies among providers, so it's a good idea to inquire with individual providers whether or not the connection is secure. Mobile telephone companies also offer mobile broadband Internet cards for laptops that offer users a secure, on-demand broadband connection.
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