April 16 2007
If you are like many of our clients, you may use your laptop at public hot spots where you can access the Internet ususally for free.  You may not realize it, but accessing the Internet through a hot spot isn't as secure as you may think.

When you access a hot-spot you are using that establishment's wireless network to access the Internet.  The problem is that without the proper protection others can access YOUR computer and YOUR files while connected to the hot-spot.  Here's a few safeguards that will protect you when using a hot-spot:

• Be sure you have the latest Windows updates.  Updates usually contain patches that address security issues in Windows.  Having the latest will lessen your change of being hacked
  You can check at:  http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/update/bulletins/
  200704.mspx
  
• Be sure you have a firewall.  Firewalls protect your computer from unauthorized (or uninvited) users trying to access your computer.  If you have Windows XP with SP2, Norton Internet Security, or McAfee Internet Security Suite you probably have a firewall.  If you are not sure, then it's time to explore your security software (Having an anti-virus software is not good enough)!
  ZoneAlarm, a free firewall is available from Zone Labs can be downloaded at: http://www.zonealarm.com/store/content/catalog/products/
  sku_list_za.jsp?dc=12bms&ctry=US&lang=en
  
• Before connecting, change your Workgroup.  Your computer is shipped with either MSHOME or WORKGROUP as the default workgroups.  This makes connecting to your computer while connected to a a hot-spot very easy.  Change it to something else by:
  1. Right click on your My Computer icon
  2. Click the 'Computer Name' tab
  3. Click the 'Change...' button
  4. Enter a new Workgroup name
  5. Click the 'OK' button
  6. Click the 'OK' button to restart your computer
  7. Connect to the hot-spot
  **If you have Domain selected, do not make the above change
  **If your computer is part of a network, be sure to change the Workgroup back when you return  to your office
  
• Before connecting, turn-off Windows file sharing:
  1. Start > Control Panel > Windows Firewall
  2. Click the 'Exceptions' tab
  3. Unselect 'File and Printer Sharing'
  4. Click the 'Apply' button
  **If your computer is part of a network, be sure to reverse this setting when you return to your office

If you are frequently, mobile you may want to invest in a data card from your Cellular phone company (Like Sprint Mobile Broadband or Cingular Laptop Connect cards.  These data cards allow you to connect to the Internet without having to rely on a hot-spot and with much better security built-in.I hope this Tip helps!

This article was inspired by 'Four Ways to Surf Safely at Starbucks'.  If you want to read the entire article, its at:  http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1759,2109464,00.asp