| Wireless networks have made surfing the Internet a | | | | Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN): If you need to be |
| convenient and mobile experience. Most coffee shops, | | | | absolutely certain your connection to the Internet is |
| internet cafes, public libraries, and hotels now offer free | | | | secure when using a free wireless network, then you |
| wireless network access. In addition, the affordability of | | | | should use a VPN connection. A VPN connection will |
| laptops and netbooks has made these public Wi-Fi | | | | encrypt the data you send from your laptop to the |
| hotspots even more popular. However, you must take | | | | wireless router. Therefore, nobody else that is on the |
| precautions when using any of these free Wi-Fi | | | | free wireless network can see what you are doing. |
| hotspots. Since most public wireless networks do not | | | | You can subscribe to a VPN connection through a |
| use any type of wireless security protocols to encrypt | | | | third-party provider for a monthly rate. Once you have |
| your data, anyone on the same network can view | | | | a subscription, all you need to do is connect to VPN |
| your data. In addition, hackers usually hang out at | | | | immediately after you connect to the public Wi-Fi |
| places offering free wireless networks looking for their | | | | network. |
| next victim. | | | | Use Antivirus and Antispyware Software: It is crucial |
| It is crucial that you take the necessary steps to | | | | that you have the real-time protection of an antivirus |
| protect your PC before you connect to a public | | | | and antispyware software while you surf the Internet |
| wireless network. You can do so by taking the | | | | on a free wireless network. Make sure that your |
| following steps: | | | | antivirus and antispyware software are updated with |
| Use a Secure Connection: If you use the Internet for | | | | the latest security threat definitions. Having these |
| financial purposes like online banking or stock trading at | | | | security tools will protect your laptop from infections |
| places like an Internet cafe, verify the website is using | | | | that maybe present on other laptops in the public Wi-Fi |
| a secure connection. When a secure connection is | | | | hotspot. |
| active, a padlock icon is visible at the bottom of your | | | | Free wireless networks are convenient since they |
| web browser. Another way to confirm that the | | | | allow users to access the Internet outside of their |
| website uses a secure connection is when its URL | | | | home or workplace. However, you have to be aware |
| begins with https and not http. | | | | that these free networks are not secure. By following |
| Install a Firewall: Most places that offer Internet access | | | | the tips presented in this article, you will keep your |
| have a router with a built-in firewall. Although this | | | | laptop and data safe while accessing the Internet on a |
| firewall will protect you from intruders and threats on | | | | free wireless network. |
| the Internet, it offers no protection against threats on | | | | Following the tips in this article along with using a |
| the wireless network. Therefore, make sure Windows | | | | recommended antispyware tool will help keep your PC |
| firewall is enabled on your laptop or install a third-party | | | | virus and spyware free when using a wireless |
| software firewall when you surf the Internet on a free | | | | network. |
| wireless network. | | | | |