Page 15 - DCAP311_DCAP607_WIRELESS_NETWORKS

Unit 1: Introduction to Wireless Networks

z z Encrypt sensitive information. If you keep personal or financial information on your Notes
computer, consider taking steps to encrypt and protect sensitive files and folders.
z z Disable wireless networking when you are not using it.

Be careful about which hotspots you use

Avoid using hotspots that are run by people you don’t know or trust. Criminals can set up
hotspots known as ‘evil twins’ and ‘rogue hotspots’ to steal users’ information. Use encrypted
(password protected) networks. Encrypted networks are wireless networks that require you to
log in with a password to use them. Choose networks with WPA2 and WPA encryption if they
are available, because they are more secure than other types of encryption.

Connect using the right network type

When you connect to a WiFi network many devices will prompt you to enter a network type
(‘home’, ‘work’ or ‘pubic’). Always connect as ‘public’ when you connect to a public WiFi
network as this will lock down the connection more securely.
Use a virtual private network (VPN) if possible

Many companies and organisations have a virtual private network (VPN). VPNs allow
employees to connect securely to their office network. VPNs encrypt connections at the sending
and receiving ends and keep out traffic that is not properly encrypted.

If a VPN is available to you, make sure you log onto it any time you need to use a public wireless
access point.

Be aware of your surroundings

Because you’re likely to have an unsecured, unencrypted network connection when you use a
public wireless access point, be careful about what you do online-there’s always the chance that
another user on the network could be monitoring your activity.
If you can’t connect securely using a VPN, then consider avoiding:

z z online banking or shopping
z z sending confidential email
z z entering passwords or credit card details unless using a secure website.

Secure your information

z z Do not send passwords or credit card details. Criminals using the wireless network can
steal them. If you must make sensitive transactions, only use secure websites. Look at the
web address for https:// instead of http:// and look for a locked padlock or key in the
browser window.

z z Encrypt sensitive information. If you keep personal or financial information on your
computer, consider taking steps to encrypt and protect sensitive files and folders. Check
your computer operating system’s help section to find out how to do this.

z z Disable wireless networking when you are not using it. Whenever you are connected to the
internet, criminals can try to attack your mobile device and steal your information. Reduce
their opportunities to do this by turning off your device’s WiFi when you are not using it.

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