security in hotspots?

Question

how can you keep your computer secure when connecting to the net in hotspots? need answers that are not too complicated for the average user like me....(i asked this ? before and my ? disapeared off this question board?!) thank you

Answer 1

You should:
1) Enable your firewall in windows, or purchase a third party firewall.
2) Ensure you have Virus Scan software and it's up to date.
3) Ensure your computer is patched up.
4) Do not run your computer as an administrator.

That list is actually in backwards order.
http://www.microsoft.com/security/default.mspx is a good resource.
Also, http://onecare.live.com/standard/en-us/default.htm while not free, will take care of all of your basic security needs.


Richard

Answer 2

As an average user, there's nothing you can do to secure your connection to the internet while using a wireless hotspot. It's good practice to avoid checking email and doing any financial stuff. Of course, as a security consultant I'm just paranoid. In reality, you're probably safe but you just never know.

If you have VPN access from your company, these security issues are basically moot. Of course, having windows, firewall and antivirus software updated is always important.

Answer 3

Any kind of wireless connection is going to be pretty unsecure, even if you're using WEP or WPA (the two most common forms of encryption for wireless connections). Any connection can be cracked, and your data can be read.

Of course, your average Joe can't figure this out, so in most cases, you'll be fine.

But, keep in mind that if you're on a free hotspot, they usually don't require you to enter a key to connect. These are easily broken into. Be sure to NEVER send ANY private information over one of these hotspots. This means not logging into your email, making online purchases, etc. Of course, even if you ARE on an encrypted network, it's still unsafe.

But, also remember that these kind of attacks don't happen frequently. Chances are that if you're at your local coffee shop, you'll be just fine. But just remember that the threat DOES exist, even if it is minor.

Answer 4

When you are talking about "hotsots", you must be talking about porno. My antivirus program in my own personal opinion is the only antivirus program that the background scanner, Dynamic Defense System, scanner will catch in real time any webpage with embedded viruses or spyware.

Same if you download a compressed file of any type, movies, games, music etc. etc. will kill the download if one trace code is found embedded. Actually will upload the trace code in real time and advise you the status. Your options are given as to if you want to continue with the download or kill the download. (I avoid hotspots, and have found that even in well known webpages embedded viruses).

I am a board certifed clinical psychiatrist and have a moral and legal obligation to keep my pc 100% clean.

Here are program I use that will give you 100% protection. Ofcourse you must also have all your critical updates installed from Microsoft.

I use the free zone alarm firewall for many years. Excellent with free updates and all new versions free. Protects you from rouge incoming packets and keeping your private data from leaving your pc.

http://www.zonealarm.com Download their free home for personal use.

Antivirus program I use. You only pay a one time fee of $29.99. and you get all updates and all new versions for life.

Read the webpage and if you like what you read this is the antivirus of choce I have used for over ten years and never one virus.

By culture the Chinese are very secret just about everything and that includes their software.

This antivirus program out of Beijing, China that is also used by the Government of China.

This antivirus program does not have the Govt. permission to be rated with all other known antivirus programs.

What I can assure you is that you pay only a one time fee for life that will include all auto updates, and all new versions for life. The Chinese don't believe in having to pay an annual fee for updates or new versions.

I can tell you their technology is light years ahead of any other known antivirus software out there.

If you open a webpage and there is a hidden virus it will clean in realtime. Anything that you download and has even a trace code, it will kill the download and ask you to upload the trace code for investigation. In real time the upload will tell you if it is clean or not.

Will not allow you download, Real Player, because there is a hidden file that is a trojan keylogger. The file was uploaded and traced back to the United States Army, Intelligence Services out of London, England. (Removal of the file Real Player will reject the installation).

Read for yourself at their webpage. I have never had one virus in ten plus years. Plus it will catch any progam with it's dynamic defense system, for software that you download and it does not have a publisher or lic., included.

Twister Trojan Antivirus V7

Very low on resources with scanner running in background.

http://www.filseclab.com

If you prefer not to pay and wish to have a free antivirus program download the free AOL Active Virus Shield, powered by Karpersky engine Russia.
http://www.activevirusshield.com/antivirus/freeav/index.adp

Antispyware I use three. You can only use one antivirus program or you will have serious conflict with your system.

Superantispyware, known to find what all other anitspyware will miss. http://www.superantispyware.com

A2Squard Malware out of Austria. Download their free version and you will be protected from, rogue dialers, worms, malware, keyloggers, trace spyware and rouge cookies.

http://www.emsisoft.com

AdAware SE Personal out of Sweden. This antispyware company has been around since computers became commerical. In June of this year they will come out with a brand new version. Right now it is beta testing. Download their free home for personal use. http://www.lavasoft.com

All of these program I have listed for you use little or no resources.

Minddoctor, France
Please excuse my english.