Posted on Tue, Mar 09, 2010 @ 04:17 PM
Did you know that a Wi-Fi connection uses a radio link to connect to the Internet or other computers and the connection is not guaranteed to be secure?
What it boils down to is luck. If you are lucky, the Wi-Fi connection you find in a hotel or airport will be safe. If you are lucky, no hackers will be sitting around waiting for easy prey to pop on the Wi-Fi connection you found. Are you willing to risk the safety of your company and the data on your computer just to check in online while you are on the go?
Don’t compromise the security of your data for FREE Internet! It is all too easy to find a wireless hotspot these days. Coffee shops and restaurants even post signs in their front windows to advertise FREE Internet connections. Follow these 4 Wi-Fi safety tips and protect yourself against clever thieves.
1. Disable your wireless card’s ad-hoc (peer-to-peer) mode now! If you don’t know what an ad-hoc connection is, you probably don’t use it. Ad-hoc sometimes called computer-to-computer networking, allows two computers to be linked together. This type of connection may be used during a meeting to share documents or an Internet connection. Turning off this feature on your laptop will prevent hackers from connecting directly to your computer to steal data.
2. Assume you are being monitored by hackers on all free Wi-Fi connections. You can never really be sure if your connection is encrypted or secure when you do not have control over the connection. Turn on your firewall to protect yourself from computer-savvy hackers just waiting to break into your computer, browse your unprotected files or watch your online activity.
3. Don’t connect to your work computer without a Virtual Private Network (VPN). On an unencrypted connection, hackers can easily follow your actions and even hitch a ride with you right into your company’s system if you do not use a VPN. The worst part, businesses usually don’t know that their networks have been breached until it is too late. A VPN allows you to access your internal network or computer at the office using the Internet but through an encrypted tunnel so you don’t have to rely on the hotspot’s security to keep you safe.
What if you need to process a few payments online? While many companies, banks, and online shopping establishments now enforce stringent security policies, be aware that your email providers relaxed regulations could be dangerous. Even emailed financial information on a free Wi-Fi connection can be intercepted. Unfortunately, this kind of theft is difficult to track and even harder to prove. So, be careful out there!
4. Turn off your laptop’s wireless capabilities when you are not using them,
especially when traveling. Most laptops search for Wi-Fi signals automatically and the connection could stay open even when you store your laptop in your shoulder bag to eat a meal at the airport or board a plane. Hackers look for computers that are connected but show no activity so they can dive in and take advantage of the free data buffet. Don’t leave your computer open for hackers to stop in for a bite.
A friend in your corner… If you need help preparing your laptop for your next business trip, give us a call. We can help you turn off the ad-hoc connection, turn on your firewall, and determine if your connection to the office is secure. Don’t risk your company or personal data on a free Wi-Fi connection while you are away from the office.
Posted on Tue, Feb 23, 2010 @ 12:41 PM
The Apple iPad, released this quarter, is a fantastic advance in computing, not just an enlarged iPhone.
This new device is paving the way for future multitouch computing products. The iPad offers a handful of imbedded applications for users to navigate e-mail, contacts, calendars, photos, videos, books, music and more.
Physical features: The iPad comes equipped with a 9.56 x 7.47 inch LED-black lit IPS display. This screen offers remarkably crisp graphics for users to enjoy photos and videos. The iPad has a 1/2 inch depth and 1.5 to 1.6 pound weight, giving users the versatility they crave.
What’s inside: The iPad comes with a 16GB to 64GB flash drive and a built-in rechargeable lithium-polymer battery that lasts up to 10 hours of surfing the web on Wi-Fi, watching videos, or listening to music.
Accessories: The iPad keyboard dock charges the iPad and offers a full-size keyboard just like a laptop. This slick docking station uses a USB power adapter and can sync to your computer or ther accessories like a camera or stereo.
The iPad case, not only protects the iPad, but can be used in various positions to view photos with friends, run a slideshow for meetings or even watch videos anytime anywhere.
Faults: The chief complaint about this new product is, the Internet browser doesn’t support Flash. OUCH! In addition, there is no camera, USB, or phone features so users will still be managing their laptop and cellular devices too.
Price tag: This new device comes in at a stunning $499 to $829 depending on the flash drive and data plan, if applicable. This is quite an affordable price for such a niche market product.