Introduction In an era where internet security is paramount, the adoption of secure protocols like HTTPS has become a standard practice for websites. HTTPS encrypts the data transferred between your device and a specific website, protecting it from potential eavesdroppers and malicious actors. While HTTPS is a significant step towards online security, it’s crucial to… Read More
This is the first “Ask the Expert” column in which Private WiFi CEO and computer security expert Kent Lawson responds to readers’ questions. This column will be an ongoing, monthly series, and this inaugural column discusses VPNs and their importance in staying protected online.
You think you’re safe within the walls of your hotel room, but the minute you log on to the Internet you are potentially exposing yourself to privacy violations, identity theft, and a host of other cybercrimes you can’t even see happening. In this latest monthly installment of Ask the Expert, CEO Kent Lawson focuses on staying safe when you’re browsing online in your hotel room and the real reasons why a hotel cable connection is no safer than its WiFi connection. Ultimately, he says, the only way to protect yourself in hotels, whether using WiFi or a cable connection, is to use a virtual private network.
Many of us assume that using a WiFi network at a hotel or airport is the same as logging into our network at home or at the office. But the risks of using WiFi networks at a hotel or airport are exponentially greater than those experienced at home or at work. This white paper outlines some of the risks and steps you can take to help protect yourself against them.
Being the CEO of Private WiFi means I’m on the road a lot, which also means that I’m constantly staying in hotels as I travel. As you might guess, I’m always logging onto the Internet when I stay at these hotels using the hotel WiFi network. Before I get into the reason why I’m writing… Read More
Earlier this year, the Harvard Business Review published a story about the hidden dangers of public WiFi networks and urged everyone to stop using them. They cited a recent study conducted by the Identity Theft Resource Center® (ITRC) in conjunction with Private WiFi which indicated that nearly 80% of people admit to using public WiFi… Read More
You may have heard about New York City’s new plan to turn old phone booths into public WiFi hotspots. This project, called LinkNYC, is being implemented in all five boroughs and may provide as many as 7500 free public WiFi hotspots across the city. Each hotspot has a 10 foot tall monolith, and not only… Read More
Have you been in an airport lately? While some people travel for leisure to escape always being “connected”, there are others who find it necessary to stay in touch. Here are some recommendations for keeping your personal information safe while on the road.
The next time you to connect to Facebook on an open hotspot, take a second to think about your security. What was intended as a quick log on to update your status or check your account, may have perilous consequence. You may not realize it, but Facebook users logging on through a public wireless connection are vulnerable.
