Wi-Fi or Wireless Fidelity features started appearing on notebooks around late 1998. Today Wi-Fi notebooks are a popular choice among the tech-savvy generation. The standard of the Wi-Fi notebooks have been certified by the Wireless Ethernet Compatibility Alliance. The IEEE 802.11b is the latest wireless networking specification standard for them. As per this standard, Internet at speeds of up to 11 megabits per second or Ethernet networks such as corporate LAN can be accessed with Wi-Fi notebooks.
Wi-Fi is a popular and high-end feature on notebooks. However many of us are still confused about how to get the best out of our devices. Security of them is a major concern these days. This article talks all about Wi-Fi notebooks, what to do and what not to do with your them. Following are a few safety tips for Wi-Fi notebooks.
Be careful of your sensitive online transactions when using open Wi-Fi networks:
Do not let your Wi-Fi notebook connect just anywhere. Well it`s a good idea to access internet while sipping your favorite coffee at a Wi-Fi enabled environment, but important online transactions might be tampered. Hence its best to disable the automatic connect feature of your Windows network. You can simply uncheck the box labeled "Connect when this network is in range" when you feel like getting connected.
Turn off the Wi-Fi ad hoc connections option:
A simplest way to prevent penetration attacks to Wi-Fi notebooks is to turn off the Wi-Fi client adapter when it`s not used. Remember, Microsoft Windows default Configuration allows anonymous ad hoc connections. But when disabled, it won`t allow anonymous connections anymore. The turning off of the Wi-Fi client adapter also serves another purpose; it conserves battery life of notebooks.
Disable Window`s file and printer sharing feature:
Many users especially those who work in corporate sectors often use window`s file and printer sharing feature to share printers or files while on a work or home network. But while outside, this could be dangerous as anyone who is on that particular Wi-Fi network can access the important files. But it can be easily prevented. For additional security, you just need to disable the file and printer sharing feature of your notebooks.
Firewall software is a must for Wi-Fi notebooks:
Don`t rely on the basic inbuilt firewall of your operating system. Opt for a good freeware firewall applications which provide additional protection for your notebooks.
Secure any personal, banking, or credit card details:
Don`t let the Web browser to remember personal information. You might think it`s an easier option since no one but you are using your Wi-Fi notebook. But sensitive info regarding bank transactions or credit card details can be easily retrieved if the notebook is lost or stolen. Hence, it is a good idea to use password protected software especially those that requires you to remember only one access password which doesn`t allow unauthorized access.
Keep your Wi-Fi notebook`s operating system up to date:
Just by installing the required firewall, password-protected software or any other software won`t give optimum result of protecting your Wi-Fi notebooks. You need to update your antivirus, Web browser, firewall, and other software including the Wi-Fi client applications of your notebooks on regular interval to get the best benefits.
Verify that the SSID actually represents the provider`s Wi-Fi network:
Often the user gets associated with lots of fake networks who usually falsely represent the Wi-Fi network`s related facility. Hackers use these fake networks to get access to all important info of your device. Verifying the SSID will help prevent associating with unauthorized network especially when you access the Wi-Fi network outside.
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