A report published by the LA Times this week makes a number of recommendations for how mobile tech users can protect against unwanted snooping. The most common entryway for any hacker, the report notes, is through public wifi at libraries, cafes and airports. But there are things you can do to protect yourself, from changing a few computer settings to running all your computer transmissions through a VPN service.
Secure Sockets Layer: This extra shield of security, design to encrypt sensitive data transmissions to keep others out, is too expensive for websites to have on all the time. But many of the top websites like Google, Facebook and Twitter allow you to turn these features on. For more info on how this is done, check out the article here.
Turn Off WiFi: Another setting change the report recommends is turning off your computer's wifi connection card before you leave the house. With wifi enabled, your computer will naturally search for open wifi connections along the way to the local café or library. These wifi networks may belong to homes or businesses without any type of security enabled, making your computer vulnerable to attack.
VPN Service: The most secure way to ensure private browsing is to log in using a VPN account, the report notes. Virtual Private Networks, or VPN's are remote servers that funnel all data that your computer transmits to the web to a server so it is guarded from hackers looking for info. Many of these services also hide your IP address so hackers can't tell where you are or what you are doing. The report notes that many companies allow access to a VPN, and some may require it. Interested workers should ask their IT department about protecting browsing in public spaces.
For more information, check out the full article at the link above.
