Staying Protected When Using Public Wi-Fi

Approximately two weeks ago, we told you about a Firefox extension, Firesheep, that allowed nearby users in unsecured networks (i.e. coffee shops and college dorms) to log into some of your accounts. For instance, if you are in a café and are logged into Facebook, someone else in the café can get into your account without ever knowing your password. Essentially the people using Firesheep are stealing cookies and can gain access to various accounts such as Facebook, Twitter, Amazon, and more. Regardless of whether adjacent users may have Firesheep, it is important to keep your information safe anytime you are using public Wi-Fi.

Since the announcement of this extension and the trouble it was causing, some tips have been released on how to protect yourself when using public Wi-Fi.

• If possible, use a VPN connection and try to avoid sites that require you to log-in.
  

• Try to use a Webmail system with HTTPS for the entire time you are using it—not just while you are actually logging in.

• Remember that even if the Wi-Fi you are using isn’t free, this doesn’t ensure your security.
  

• It is best to assume that anyone in these places can see what you are doing, and it is important to be aware of this. Keep this in mind when in public places like hotels and airports as well.

To read more in-depth information about these security measures, read this full article from Computer World.