How to avoid the risk of Wi-Fi hotspots

In areas covered by wireless hotspots, users can access the Internet by using laptops and PDAs with built-in or external wireless NICs. However, security experts believe that as employees often log on to wireless hotspots, they will unconsciously expose personal and enterprise data. Although there is no such danger, more and more organizations depend on laptops, PDA devices, and smart phones. The arrival of wireless disasters is also a matter of time.

In fact, IT can take some measures to protect users from wireless hotspots. For example:

1. For devices trying to access the company's network, enterprises should establish and strengthen strong authentication policies.

2. When an employee connects and exchanges data, the employee is required to use the company's VPN. In addition, you must set up an employee's computer to automatically connect to the VPN and encrypt the data.

3. Ensure that all devices and software are correctly configured and install the latest patches.

4. Ensure the company's security policies prevent employees from transmitting sensitive data to mobile devices or unauthorized computers.

5. Use a wireless Nic instead of a hotspot wireless connection.

Data leakage in wireless hotspots is hard to find, and such data is often sent and received through email. Therefore, it is very important for business people to understand their responsibilities to protect themselves.

Most employees do not know

Although many technical personnel understand the risks of these vulnerabilities, security personnel believe that ordinary employees are not explicitly notified, which makes many valuable data vulnerable.

This difficulty is not easy to overcome because users need mobility. They want to use any mobile device to access spreadsheet software or slides in wireless hotspots. However, only one laptop with a vulnerability or misconfiguration is enough to make the entire company reputation.

In fact, it is not a problem caused by a specific device, but a combination of multiple factors that make data protection an important issue of wireless hotspots.

One of the problems is the hotspot itself. wireless connections and even wired Internet connections can become dangerous areas. The danger lies in public access points. The risk lies in the network that administrators cannot control. When a user is on a public network, it is just as if the user is not protected. At this time, you do not know who your neighbors are.

When unencrypted information flows through these public networks, those with ulterior motives can see it. Laptops, smart phones, and PDAs can communicate with other people in public hotspots, and even chat with the other party when the user does not insist on doing so.

Remember, when you share the network with others, when your machine shares with others, attackers can intercept information from anyone.