IT Expert Advice: Are You Safe When You "Go Wireless"???
Posted by Liz Pagnotti on Fri, Sep 11, 2009
When was the last time you were working on your laptop while sipping a Grande double-shot mocha latte at Starbucks? How about waiting for your flight at the airport and wanted to check your email? Unsecured wireless networks are out there....beware!
If you are wireless, you are broadcasting everything you are doing on your pc - whether this is writing a "dear john" email to your soon to be ex-boyfriend or working on a financial spreadsheet for your next budget meeting. Are you equipped to defend the hackers out there just waiting for your information?
While you are sitting in that coffee house or visiting a friend, you browse to find an internet connection and see the "unsecured" networks that are available, do you connect? Be aware that these networks will allow hackers to connect into your pc and steal your personal information (account numbers, passwords, pictures, etc). A hacker is sitting out there just waiting to get a hold of your network profile and use your identity. Heard of the term phishing??? That is exactly what this is and YOU are the fish!
If your company does not have a VPN (virtual private network) or you are not using a broadband card, then you are using an UNSECURED wireless network. Hackers are out there waiting to get their hands on your personal or corporate data...are you protected?
Check with your IT department today to make sure you are protected when working wirelessly.