Mobile Computing: Online Safety and Security On the Go

As a parent, you know that when your kids are out of school-whether for spring break, summer vacation, or just over the weekend-you're always on the go. But being mobile doesn't mean you can't stay connected.

Free and low-cost computer access and wireless services are popping up everywhere, from public libraries and coffee shops to city parks and highway rest areas, making it easier than ever for you to send and receive e-mail or use the Internet when you're on the move. Whether you're driving your kids to dance class and soccer practice, or taking your family on a dream vacation, mobile computing lets you and your children log on without slowing down.

Online Safety and Security for Mobile Computing

While mobile computing is very convenient — enabling you and your family to watch videos, play games, or conduct business from almost anywhere — staying safe and secure online takes a little extra effort when you are away from home. Whether you take along your own laptop or use the shared computers you find in public libraries, Internet cafés or hotel business centers, be sure to follow these online safety and security tips for computing on the go:

• Secure your computer. Before you leave home with your laptop, review your security checklist to make sure the firewall is turned on, the operating system is up to date, and you have downloaded all the latest security updates to your anti-virus and anti-spyware programs.
  
  
• Know your network. One of the great things about mobile computing is that it lets you take advantage of Wi-Fi hotspots, but don't assume those wireless networks are secure. A secure network will require a password or special code before you can log on.
  
  
• Protect your personal information. Using an unsecured wireless network to shop or pay bills online could reveal your credit card and bank account numbers to Internet thieves and endanger your family's finances. Avoid financial transactions until you're using a secure network you know you can trust.
  
  
• Be extra safe. If you're using your laptop in public and don't need e-mail or the Internet, disable your wireless connection to prevent your computer from connecting automatically to an unsecured wireless network.
  
  
• Keep your passwords private. When using a shared computer such as those in a library or Internet café, be sure you haven't logged on to a site that automatically saves your user name and password. When you're finished, remember to delete your information from the screen and log out completely.
• Keep track of your computer. Never leave your laptop unattended when you're traveling. Either keep it with you or ask a family member to watch it until you return. And never check your laptop with your luggage. Your laptop is an expensive piece of equipment, and the data you have stored on it could be even more valuable-to you and to thieves who would like to steal your identity along with your computer.
  
  
• Lock up your laptop. If you're traveling by car, either carry your laptop with you when you stop or lock it out of sight in the trunk to avoid tempting thieves.
  
  
• Safeguard your computer. Keeping your laptop safe from the wear and tear of travel is just as important as protecting it from thieves and viruses. Carry your laptop in a padded case that will shield it from hard knocks that could damage the hardware and destroy your data.
  
  
• Use encryption. One way to help prevent Internet thieves from gaining access to your personal information is to encrypt your sensitive files and wireless transmissions. All of encoding and decoding happens in the background, so you're online experience will be no different, but encryption will scramble your information so that it is unavailable and unreadable by unauthorized recipients.

Whether you're traveling halfway around the world or just around the corner, you can stay more safely and securely connected and continue to enjoy all the benefits of the Internet.