While we are at home or in the office, the wireless networks which
we use are likely to be secured, preventing anyone who is within reach of the
wireless signal from being able to access our network by the use of password
protection.
Unsecure network
But by the very nature of wireless networks, they are designed to
provide free or at least easily metered access to the network, which in turn
means that the user doesn't need to use a router or all the other paraphernalia
which we often associate with being able to get onto the internet in our usual
surroundings.
Wireless networks themselves are usually secure, in that in order
to use them, people need to enter a password which then enables their computer,
smartphone or tablet to link to the network, and do everything they usually
expect to be able to do online on their devices.
Secure network
However, having a secure wireless network over which you can
access the internet does not mean that you can afford to neglect using all the
other forms of online security which you're accustomed to.
Public Wi-Fi networks have, sadly become associated with a degree
of risk, and not helped by scare stories such as those caused by the Google
Maps camera teams, whose computers were able to intercept data being passed via
wireless computer networks.
Encryption
In order to prevent the data which you both send and receive via a
wireless network from being read by others nearby, you therefore need to ensure
that the connection between whatever device you're using at the network is
encrypted by the use of a private key – similar to a password enabling access
to it.
Well-known commercial hotspot providers may insist that you obtain
a key from them to access the networks, which gives some guarantee that at
least they know who is likely to be accessing their network.
VPN's
A more secure solution, particularly useful when a businessperson
wants to access their company's own network, is what's known as a virtual
private network, or VPN. Such connections can create a secure link between any
two points on the internet, and are becoming increasingly popular for companies
whose staff needs to be able to access their networks while out and about.
Don't be lazy about security
We can easily become blasé when we're using an internet connection
in the security of our work or home environments. But if we want to stay safe
while doing the same as we roam around, we need to be sure that our
communications can't be pried on, as far as possible. It sounds simple, but we
should always bear in mind that the overriding principle of the internet is
that it's open and accessible to all. You should therefore be sure that your
own access cannot be compromised by anyone else.
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