More and more of us are taking our laptops aboard, to be able to download weather information or send emails via marina hotspots. But many public access hotspots - especially those welcome free ones - are unsecured. It's important to think about the security risks and what can you do about them.
All public and commercial access hotspots are a security risk. It is very easy for criminals and hackers to use their own laptops to “sniff” out data streams transmitted between users and the hotspot. Once a data stream is identified the miscreant can then “snoop” on the information it contains.
“But I only browse the weather report, or read the news. They won't be interested in that sort of information will they?” you might think. This and many other misconceptions about information privacy leave many computer users at risk of identity theft or loss of personal and business information.
Computer systems constantly share information. Be aware that while you are connected to the internet your email, website or system access passwords and user identities are transmitted many times.
Don't think they are safely locked away in the software you are using. Programmes like email services or Internet Explorer will be letting your passwords and identities flow in and out of your computer like a tide.
So don't store your passwords on your computer. When Windows offers to remember a password for you, always refuse! Better still use a password manager like Pipad, which can be plugged into a USB port on your laptop.
A password manager will keep your passwords, bank account details and other highly personal information, including documents, secure, encrypted and away from your computer where they would be at risk from snoopers and thieves.
It is important to take computer security seriously. Ensure that you have anti-virus, anti-spyware and firewall software installed, regularly updated and switched on.
Make sure that you have file sharing on your computer switched off. Run Windows Explorer, and right click, choose the security and sharing option, turn off file sharing.
Make sure the hotspot you are using is legitimate. It's simple for a hacker to fake a hotspot using just a laptop, which would give direct access to the entire contents of your computer.
Ask for the precise name of the marina hotspot and connect only to that identity, no matter how strong the other signals may look or how tempting their advertising might be.
If you are paying for a hotspot you should still make sure it's a legitimate access point. Try to log in with a made up identity and password. Fake login pages will look convincing but will probably let you in no matter what you type.
If you are suspicious turn off your laptop WiFi connection immediately. To do this most systems will have an icon on the tool bar at the bottom of your screen. Right click and then select disconnect. It's much quicker than trying to shut down your entire computer.
Stealing your personal information does not have to involve computers or sophisticated equipment. If you are using a public hotspot look over your shoulder. Who is watching you type on the keyboard or looking at your screen? It's that simple for anyone to do, not just an experienced identity thief.
Barry Mitchell is a partner in Pipad.co.uk
providing security to businesses worldwide
