A while ago, BBB issued a warning to business travelers about protecting their laptops, PDAs and cell phones against possible hackers operating via insecure wi-fi areas in airport terminals and/or other public places.
Just today, FOX News issued a warning to travelers about similar activities that could affect them while they are on vacation (aka the beach, restaurants, hotels).
BBB wishes to warn the public about the realities of such risks and that while destination spots are setting up free Wi-Fi networks, this desired capability also attracts hackers as well.
BBB ADVICE TO VACATIONERS
Be prepared and updated before taking off. Thanks to Symantec and FOX News for providing these tips for helping to thwart attacks:
— Pay attention to your surroundings. Look at private matter when you are alone and in private.
— Beware of "Evil Twins." Some Wi-Fi networks look legitimate but are actually dummy networks created by criminals. Even if they contain the name of your airport, airline or hotel, they will directly link your computer to the hacker's. If you always use the official access keys provided by the establishment, then you should be safe.
— Never enter sensitive data — Social Security numbers, bank account information, etc. — when browsing the Web via a Wi-Fi network.
— Set all Bluetooth devices to "hidden," not to "discoverable." Better yet, if you don't use Bluetooth, just shut off the function altogether.
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— Keep your security software current and active. Mobile PCs are just as vulnerable to viruses, worms and Trojan horses as are desktops, so make sure you have the latest protection installed.
BBB ADVICE FOR BUSINESS TRAVELERS |
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Before turning communication tools over to staff for travel, BBB advises businesses to instruct employees how to protect the security of data that is being transmitted or stored:
- Always keep your laptop, PDA or cell phone within sight, even when at the office. Lock your business cell phone and PDA in a secure location when not in use.
- Keep your portable device within eyesight and easy reach when traveling. Stealing laptops at airports and from trains and restaurants has become a popular data theft technique.
- If at all possible, do not store any sensitive customer or employee data (such as bank account numbers, ATM codes, Social Security numbers and credit/debit card info) on these portable devices.
- If any employee (a salesperson or telecommuter, for instance) needs to take customer data, employee date or other sensitive information off business premises on a laptop, CD, flash drive or other portable device, insist and make certain that the data is encrypted.
- Password-protect access to the laptop, DA and cell phone. Also make use of passwords to protect Internet access, e-mail, voicemail and address books.
- Turn off the devices when not in use.
- Do not download or accept file downloads from unknown sources.
- Do not share portable communication/organization tools with others.
- Back up all data regularly and keep back-up disks and other back-up materials in a locked, secure area.
These and other guidelines to help protect data are available at www.bbb.org |