Internet Safety on the Go: How to Make Mobile Computing Safer

Wireless networks are everywhere these days. You can watch videos, do research, play games, listen to music, and keep in touch with friends no matter where you are-even on vacation with your family. And while it's great that you can stay connected just about anywhere, keep in mind that mobile computing gives you much less control over your online safety and security. So don't take anything for granted.

You probably already know how important it is to stay as safe and secure as possible when you're online. Malware (like viruses and Trojans) are everywhere, and they change daily. Hackers and other Internet crooks are always looking for ways to steal personal information such as credit card and Social Security numbers, and if they get your info they can do a lot of damage to your family's finances.

Make Mobile Computing Safer

If you're using your own wireless network, you can have more control over your online safety by following basic precautions like using a firewall, keeping your operating system updated, installing anti-virus and anti-spyware software, and keeping them up to date.

But what happens when your laptop is connected to a public wireless network or you're using a shared or public computer?

That's when things get a little tricky, but you can still practice online safety if you keep these tips in mind:

  • Keep your passwords to yourself. Just in case that public wireless network is not what it seems to be, it's best to avoid visiting Web sites where you need to type in your password. You can still get things done and have fun, just play it safe.
  • Don't forget to log off, completely. Using a public computer at a library or hotel? Not remembering to logoff is like leaving a car running with the keys in it. The next computer user could take your password and run with it.
  • Remember your personal info? Forget it. If you're using a shared or public computer and you're asked if you want the site to remember your password, address, phone number or any other personal information, say no. This feature is convenient for you when you're using your own computer on a secure network; otherwise you're just making it convenient for someone else to use your info.
  • Avoid financial transactions. There's no way to know how secure a public wireless connection is. So no matter how tempting it might be to buy that music download while you're sitting in a hotspot, wait until you get back to a network you can trust.
  • Keep an eye on your wireless connection. When you're in wireless territory but you don't need e-mail or the Net, disable your wireless connection. No reason to leave the door wide open.
  • Know your provider. The wireless connector in your laptop likes to make friends wherever it goes, so it's best to be vigilant. If you're at a hotspot and your laptop detects a wireless connection, don't assume it's safe. Check with a staff person before allowing the connection, because some hackers fake wireless networks to gain access to your e-mail address and other personal info.
  • For optimal security, encryption is key. It's easy for hackers (who often look like ordinary citizens, but with more equipment) to acquire software that can detect the information that passes between your laptop and the hotspot's wireless router. And this can happen even in hotspots you trust. This is no big deal if you're just watching a video, but your passwords aren't safe (even if they're preprogrammed into your e-mail or Web browser) and neither are your parents' credit card numbers. Encryption scrambles your information so hackers can't use it.

Encryption sounds complicated, but it's not once you know how to do it. To learn more about encryption and how to make it work, check out How to Encrypt a File in the StaySafe Toolbox.

Protecting your laptop while you're on the go is not as complicated as it seems. If you practice these mobile computing safety tips a few times, they'll become as familiar as logging on. And no kidding, they will help you keep your data safer when you're online and out in the world.

Now that you know how to make your data safer on public wireless networks, find out how to keep your laptop more secure by checking out Laptop Security: Going Mobile.