Using wireless safety features

Wireless technology is changing the way people work these days. Public places are more and more opening up to the idea of offering either free or paid high speed internet allowing anyone who has a laptop with a wireless card to access the internet. This is a great way for anyone to continue doing business and checking their email while on the go from fast food restaurants to hotel rooms. There are a few things that you can do to protect the data on your personal computer while using an open network.

Public networks are more at risk from unauthorized access than from private networks, so therefore you need to try to make an extra effort to choose a more secure wireless connection that requires a network security key or some other type of security to protect any information you may send. Make sure that your firewall is activated to prevent unauthorized users from accessing your computer through the use of the public wireless internet or the network.

The firewall can be used as a barrier that checks, blocks or authorizes all incoming information that comes through. Keep the firewall on at all times while using the internet in public places. There can be multiple wireless networks anywhere that you are tying to access. Take extra precaution and monitor your access point to make sure that you are connecting to the right system. Your computer can be configured to recognize and approve the right access point before you connect. Avoid the temptation to approve new connections with which you are not so familiar.

The next step is to disable the file and printer sharing feature. The file and printer sharing feature is an option that allows other computer users on an open network to access information on your computer. When using the public wireless network, it's best that you think of disabling that feature to prevent hackers from accessing all sorts of data on your computer. You can simply turn that feature back on when you are back to your home or office. Keep your files private whenever you can, it will be more difficult for hackers from having access to your folders as well.

Another way to protect your data is to encrypt your files by creating a password to allow you to open and access the needed file anytime. Consider password protecting only the files that you plan to open and to work on in a public place, using their wireless connection. If you plan on working on much more sensitive files from your laptop, you probably should wait until you get to the office to work on those. The office firewall is best to protect and safeguard very important documents. By taking simple precautions like choosing the best connection and adjusting some of your computer settings, this can actually help you enjoy a more productive and safe work session in public places.

With the right hardware and software tools, you can be protected in the risky business of wireless communications. Wireless is probably the fastest growing networking technology and it's certainly the most advertised. Unfortunately, its rapid growth has brought some serious concerns such as easy access to files from anyone. Poor security in wireless networks has opened up a new way for hackers to gain access to your personal information while online. This is why you need to take all important steps to avoid anyone from accessing your computer and stealing personal information and financial data from your computer. Keep yourself safe while using public wireless networks by simply remembering to turn your firewall on and disabling a few features on your computer.