Top Five Tips for Wi-Fi Security

These days, almost all public spaces -- especially coffee shops and restaurants -- offer free wireless access to customers. While free Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi hotspots may seem like little gifts from Internet heaven, it is important to be vigilant when using them.

Just as Wi-Fi hotspot use has increased, so have related cyber-security breaches and thefts. Criminals stay abreast of technology so they can steal your data without you even realizing it.

Five critical points to keep you safe while working on a Wi-Fi network:

• Don't use a Wi-Fi network or hotspot that is not password protected. Many places now have guest network/password options for customers and clients.
• If you are using a public network, do not access proprietary or sensitive information.
• When accessing Wi-Fi from your laptop, select the "public" setting on your computer, which will block print and file sharing.
• When using public Wi-Fi, never access your bank information or carry out financial transactions.
• Do not take advantage of password saving/storing options on your Internet browser.

If you need to work in a public space or access private files on Wi-Fi, consider:

• Paying to use a secure, password-protected network.
• Accessing files via Virtual Private Network. VPN essentially extends a private network connection over the Internet, enabling you to send and receive data as if you were connected directly to your office's secure private network.