Log-on pages which require better security have Security Sockets Layer connections. The way to find out if you are accessing a SSL page is to make sure that the address of the page starts with https://. The web pages with SSL connections also have a lock icon towards the bottom right hand side of the web page. The use of WEP or WPA makes communication encrypted. There are many companies which provide virtual private network connections to the users which keep it encrypted even when a user access unsecured Wi-Fi hotspots.

Services like Megaproxy helps users to access even those sites that are locally banned. Such surfing service not only provides encryption but also guards you against any snooping when you use Wi-Fi hotspots. The service comes as very useful if users wish to access sites that are prevented for users from overseas. There is a possibility though that you may not be able to stream video and may come across unnecessary advertising banners.

People who have more than one computer at home must be aware that it can get really messy with all those wires around. So, you may as well be considering building a secure wireless network to do away with having to snake wires through your walls and to increase your mobility.

To connect your computers to internet without any wires, you will require a cable modem, a router, and a USB wireless adapter. You can get started by connecting your cable modem to the router with the Ethernet cable before you plug them in. You can then go ahead and install the USB wireless adapter by following the instructions that are mentioned in the CD that comes along with it.

In case there is a situation where you do not get connected automatically, you can look for the computer with an “X” icon located at the bottom right corner of the tool bar. You can click at it and then click on the button which says “View Wireless Network”. A pop up saying “Choose Your Wireless Network” would appear and you will find your router’s name along with other routers. You can click on “connect” to get an access to the internet. You can follow the same instruction with all the other computers that you intend to connect to your router.

Before you set up a wireless network you would have to set up an access point first. In case of a wireless network for business, a high end access point like Cisco Aironet 350 Series would be more preferable. On the other hand, a low end access point like an Apple Airport should work fine for a home network.

Connecting to Wi-Fi hotspot is not as safe as we think and could cause a major security threat. However, we can apply some tips to nullify these threats. We should establish Virtual Private Connection (VPN) as it encrypts the network traffic. Besides, we must use SSL in case there is no VPN access. Applications such as ftp, telnet or imap should be avoided as there is no encryption of data in such applications.

We can find out whether or not that the data which we send is encrypted by checking the browser, if it has https:// in the address bar or padlock icon towards the end of the browser. If we see these two things, it means the page has encrypted data. We must not connect to any fake Wi-Fi hot spot as it would lead to personal account information getting leaked. Make suet the service provider is reliable.

Above all, it is important that you secure the operating system with proper anti-virus software. Personal firewall will ensure that there is no unauthorized access to your system. You should also keep in mind that file sharing feature is disabled when connect to hotspot. You must also avoid using public computers if you do not have any knowledge regarding the installed applications as there are fair chances that these computers have already been infected by virus. The idea of getting an easy access may result in the loss of valuable information.

You can set password for your hard disks well to ensure additional security. If one has a notebook he can put alarm system or some tracking device to secure the notebook.