June '06 Tools

Over the past few years, WiFi (Wireless Fidelity) networking has gone mainstream and, as the popularity of WiFi has grown, so have the security risks. No public WiFi hotspot comes with built-in security. Which means that your information is available the moment it leaves your computer.

Whenever you communicate over the Internet using a wireless connection, you want to ensure that your communications and files are private and protected. If your transmissions are not secure, you run the risk of others intercepting your emails, examining your files and using your network and Internet connection to distribute their own messages.

If you're just surfing the Net to read up on current events or do some research, you may not care if someone intercepts your transmission. However if you need additional security, there are technologies available that you can implement and all of them are relatively easy and inexpensive - some are even free.

Here are several security steps that WiFi users should employ to make sure their transmissions such as confidential files, credit card information, passwords and email messages are protected.

First, make sure that your email program encrypts messages when sending them out. You can usually turn this feature on from your email program's Tools or Options menu. If it's not readily available, chech the Help section of your email program. Also, instead of downloading email onto your computer, you can access it online using an online webmail program. MyEmail (www.MyEmail.com) is a webmail site that allows you to manage your existing POP3/IMAP email accounts from any computer, anywhere in the world. Their service is free - just login with your existing email account - and they offer 1000mb of storage.
WiFi users should enter passwords only into sites that include a Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) key at the bottom right of the Web browser. You'll know it's turned on when you see a yellow padlock icon in your system tray; also, the URL usually begins with "https" instead of "http. Be sure to shop only at sites that use SSL.
Run a firewall program. Windows XP makes this option available in your Control Panel under Network Connections. Just right-mouse-click on any connection, select Properties, then the Advanced tab. Under Setting, check ON, and also check Don't Allow Exceptions. Also, ZoneLabs (www.zonelabs.com) offers a free firewall program called ZoneAlarm for individual and not-profit users.
Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) service. VPNs provide an excellent solution to the insecurity of public WiFi access, shielding the contents of any WiFi connection by creating a secure, encrypted tunnel running between your computer and a remote device. To use a VPN, your operating system and router each need to support VPN connections.
JiWire (www.jiwire.com) provides a VPN service called SpotLock. Available at a cost of $39.95 a year, SpotLock automatically encrypts all your inbound and outbound Internet traffic (emails, Web, IM, VoIP calls, FTP, etc.) as it's sent via WiFi. SpotLock is bundled with a connection manager and global hotspot directory to help facilitate secure connections. You can try JiWire free for your first 3 connections. Just go to www.jiwire.com/spotlock.htm and click the Try It Free button.
The VPN service from MegaProxy is another choice. It costs $10 for three months. A free version with restrictions is available for you to try. Go to www.megaproxy.com/freesurf/ and enter the address of a site you'd like to visit. Click the "SURF" button and it will open a new secure browser window. You should be aware that while MegaProxy will protect your Internet browsing, it will not protect such as instant messages or POP3 email exchanges..
Finally, when you are done accessing a WiFi hotspot, you should turn off or remove the wireless card from your computer.

If you're going WiFi, you should use at least some level of security as a deterrent to intrusion. For maximum protection, use all of the steps above and enjoy the freedom and convenience of mobile computing.