Security Basics mailing list archives
Re: Securing my PC at a Wireless Hotspot?
From: rohnskii () gmail com
Date: Mon, 9 Feb 2009 15:39:06 -0700
Some generic suggestions: <snip> 1.) Turn off the ad-hoc mode on your network card (allows peer to peer connections). 2.) If you're not online, disable your network card. 3.) Make sure you have a firewall in place and running. 4.) If you are viewing your e-mail, you might want to use digital signatures to authenticate and identify yourself. 5.) I would suggest not using your credit card at a hot spot, but if you have to, make sure you're on a secure connection (for example, https://www.etc.com). 6.) And, of course, it wouldn't be a security article if I didn't say, "Make sure your system is up to date!" </snip> http://pogue.blogs.nytimes.com/2007/01/04/04pogue-email/ http://www.pcworld.com/article/130330/how_to_secure_your_wireless_network.html http://windowssecrets.com/comp/070614 http://www.webbuyersguide.com/resource/resourceDetails.aspx?id=12573&category=97&sitename=webbuyersguide&kc=newssecurityeditors011409&src=newssecurityeditors011409 - Airport Insecurity- The case of lost laptops (a very scary story for travellers) http://www.computerworld.com/action/article.do?command=viewArticleBasic&articleId=9008399&taxonomyId=16 http://downloads.techrepublic.com.com/abstract.aspx?docid=172984 http://blogs.techrepublic.com.com/techofalltrades/?p=166 http://it.toolbox.com/blogs/adventuresinsecurity/protect-laptop-traffic-in-hotspots-and-hotels-part-1-26393 As well there are the other "obvious" tips - don't leave your laptop unattended - buy an "electronic tether", you put one piece on the laptop and carry the other, if you get out of range (typically 15 feet) an alarm sounds. - invoke the password protected screensaver when not using it - better yet, turn the power off when not using it - Be aware of "shoulder surfers", people looking "over your shoulder" while you are typing sensitive info (ie passwords) - encrypt the whole hard drive - label the laptop so if you do lose it, it will be easy for it to be returned to you (if it is just lost, not stolen). - don't store sensitive data on the laptop, instead keep it on an encrypted USB drive which you do NOT store in the laptop case, put it in a pocket or briefcase!
Current thread:
- Securing my PC at a Wireless Hotspot? Chip Panarchy (Feb 09)
- Re: Securing my PC at a Wireless Hotspot? Mark Wolfgang (Feb 09)
- Re: Securing my PC at a Wireless Hotspot? Robin Wood (Feb 10)
- Re: Securing my PC at a Wireless Hotspot? Aaron Howell (Feb 10)
- <Possible follow-ups>
- Re: Securing my PC at a Wireless Hotspot? rohnskii (Feb 09)
- Re: Securing my PC at a Wireless Hotspot? krymson (Feb 10)
- Re: Re: Securing my PC at a Wireless Hotspot? wickenit (Feb 20)