The WLAN Traps - Wireless Security Threat

Be very careful, when you are using wireless hot spots. My recommendation is that you don't share secret and delicate information on public hot spots. If you must, check the following security tips:

1) Shut down the ad-hoc mode on your PC.

2) Be very careful when you are using free hot spots. There are many websites that have a list of free WLAN hot spots. Check first on them, before you are connected.

3) Use VPN tunnels when you are dealing with delicate information.

4) Do not ignore messages in your web browser or e-mail client about outdated or missing certificate. Disconnect from this network.

So if you are planning to use hotspot, check and shut down the ad-hoc mode on your PC.

Today there are more sophisticated attacks. Attackers are pretending to be access points. Usually they configure their PC to be unencrypted access point with SSID “Free Wi-Fi” or something similar. They could use this connection and open a new connection to real access point.

They could even act as a web proxy and insert malicious code into websites you are visiting. So simple disabling of file sharing would not help you. Even using operating systems like Linux, Unix or Mac do not help.

If you are dealing with delicate information during your trip, please set up VPN tunnels to your trusted networks. If your web browser or e-mail client are complaining to outdated or missing certificate, do not ignore it, disconnect instead.

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