Stay Secure When Using Your Mobile PC in Public Hotspots
Hotspots in public places usually don't provide any type of
security. It's your responsibility to take the necessary
precautions to ensure a safe connection to your corporate
network or to the Internet. Here are some steps you can
take.
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Install a firewall. A firewall helps protect
your mobile PC by preventing unauthorized users from
gaining access to your computer through the Internet
or a network. It acts as a barrier that checks any
information coming from the Internet or a network,
and then either blocks the information or allows it
to pass through to your computer. Windows XP
includes a firewall that you simply need to turn on.
If you're running Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack
2, Windows Firewall is turned on by default for all
network and Internet connections.
To turn on Windows Firewall:
1. |
Click Start, and then click
Control Panel.
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2. |
In Control Panel, double-click
Network Connections.
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3. |
In the Network Connections window, under
Network Tasks, click Change
Windows Firewall Settings.
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4. |
In the Windows Firewall dialog
box, on the General tab, click
On, and then click OK.
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Allow only connections to approved access points.
An access point is where your wireless network links
to a wired system. By allowing only connections to
certain access points, you can ensure that you don't
pick up other Wi-Fi networks or unintentionally
allow unauthorized users access to your mobile PC.
To allow only connections to approved access
points:
1. |
Click Start, and then click
Control Panel.
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2. |
In Control Panel, double-click
Network Connections.
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3. |
In the Network Connections window,
right-click Wireless Network
Connection, and then click
Properties.
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4. |
In the Wireless Network Connection
Properties dialog box, on the
Wireless Networks tab, make sure
that the Use Windows to configure my
wireless network settings check box
is selected.
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5. |
Under Preferred networks, make
sure that the name of the network that
you want to connect to is highlighted,
and then click Advanced.
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6. |
In the Advanced dialog box, click
Access point (infrastructure) network
only, and then click Close.
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Use a VPN when connecting to your corporate
network. VPN connections provide remote access
to private networks over the Internet. Corporations
use VPNs to allow secure access to their networks
for approved users. All communications across a VPN
are encrypted. Talk to your company's IT department
about how to set up a VPN on your mobile PC.
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Disable file and printer sharing: File and
printer sharing is a feature that enables other
computers on a network to access resources on your
computer. When using your mobile PC in a hotspot,
it's best to disable file and printer sharing
because when enabled, it leaves your computer
vulnerable to hackers. Remember, though, to turn
this feature back on when you return to the office.
To disable file and printer sharing:
1. |
Click Start, and then click
Control Panel.
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2. |
In Control Panel, click Security
Center.
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3. |
In the Security Center window, click
Windows Firewall.
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4. |
In the Windows Firewall dialog
box, click the Exceptions tab.
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5. |
On the Exceptions tab, under
Programs and Services, clear the
File and Printer Sharing check box
and then click OK.
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Make your folders private. When the folders
on your mobile PC are private, it's more difficult
for hackers to access your files.
To make a folder private:
1. |
Click Start, and then click My
Computer.
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2. |
In the My Computer window, double-click
the drive where Windows is installed,
and then double-click Documents and
Settings.
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3. |
Double-click your user folder,
right-click the folder that you want to
make private, and then click
Properties.
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4. |
In the Properties dialog box, on
the Sharing tab, click Do not
share this folder, and then click
OK.
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5. |
Repeat the steps above for each folder
that you want to make private.
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Password-protect your files. You can protect
your files further by requiring a password to open
or modify them. Because you must perform this
procedure on one file at a time, consider
password-protecting only the files that you plan to
use while working in a public place.
Learn more about encrypting your data to keep it
safe.
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Turn off wireless when you are not using it.
When you're using your mobile PC in a public place
but you are not connected to a wireless network, you
should turn off your wireless device. You can either
remove your Wi-Fi card or press the manual hardware
button on your computer if you're using a Centrino-based
mobile PC. In addition to protecting your computer
from hackers, turning off wireless when you don't
need it helps save battery power.
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By selecting the best connection method for your needs and by being
aware of security pitfalls when working in public places, you
can enjoy productive and safe work sessions remotely.
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