Caution urged with using free Wi-Fi hotspots

Free access to Wi-Fi (wireless fidelity) networks for using the Internet are offered in many public places like coffee shops, fast-food chains and shopping malls but a leading vendor of computer security software advises against the risks of such connections. Symantec Corp warns that free Wi-Fi in public hotspots also means that connections are not encrypted, making users and their sensitive and confidential communication and data susceptible to online threats such as fraud, theft, data loss, and hacking. The company urges uses to protect themselves through cautious computing habits and using software tools when connecting in public hotspots. Symantec gives the following tips: Easy access, little protection It can be difficult for hotspot hosts to maintain wireless security. Besides, registration and login requirements tend to defeat the purpose of an "open" Wi-Fi network. So, most hotspot hosts employ little or no security measures-which means the trade-off for quick access and easy administration is high exposure to potential threats. To compound the problem, any wireless connection is inherently less secure than an ordinary network hookup. Unlike data traveling over a physical cable, wireless transmissions pass through the air as radio signals. Those signals can be intercepted by anyone with a receiver and some basic, widely available tools. When the hotspot you're on doesn't use encryption, someone who intercepts your data can read whatever you've sent-whether it's a private email or a user name and password combination. Because hotspots are in public places, people can simply look over your shoulder to engage in old-fashioned eavesdropping or even target your laptop for theft. Criminal means and motives While curiosity seekers put your privacy at risk, the most serious hotspot dangers are cybercriminals with much more sophisticated means and motives. Even when a hotspot uses security measures, technically savvy hackers have the tools, skills, and patience to work around those protections. Cybercriminals have learned to use social engineering methods to con hotspot users into divulging sensitive information. Taking a page out of the phishing and pharming book, they set up a wireless network of their own in the vicinity of a legitimate hotspot. By dressing up their network's name and home page to look like the actual hotspot, they trick you into joining their network. Once you're on their fake hotspot, they either ask for "new account" information (like credit card numbers or other sensitive information) or redirect you to other fraudulent or virus-laden Web sites. Security is up to you With these dangers lurking and very few security measures in place protecting yourself at public hotspots is your own responsibility. Here are some things you can do to keep yourself safe:

• Make sure no one is peering over your shoulder when you log into your operating system, email, IM, or other accounts.
• Be on the watch for suspicious behavior; never leave your laptop or handheld device unattended.
• Turn off file sharing when you're using a hotspot, and try to minimize the amount of sensitive, personal data you store on your laptops and mobile devices. You can usually turn off file sharing from your operating system's network settings menu.
• Turn off your wireless card when you're not using it.
• Don't do your online banking or trading at a public hotspot. Save it for a more safe and controlled environment.
• Make sure you're on a legitimate hotspot by checking with the host to confirm the network name and connection process.
• Rather than letting your wireless card automatically join the nearest network, manually select the hotspot when you connect.
• When you're on a public hotspot, you have no idea what infections other connected computers might have, or whether there may be a hacker prowling the network. Norton AntiVirus and Norton Internet Security – both from Symantec - protect you from viruses, worms, Trojan horses, and dangerous intruders.
• Make wise computing decisions. Always avoid using hotspots for important communications or transactions.