| Every modern notebook is Wi-Fi enabled, | | | | hardware to a `g` card. An 802.11g is |
| allowing internet access from any part of the | | | | backward compatible with IEEE 802.11b, thus |
| globe. But while using your wireless | | | | 802.11g can leverage the widespread, |
| notebook, you should be aware of Wi-Fi | | | | international adoption of IEEE 802.11b in |
| standards, hotspots, and how to effectively | | | | products from laptops to PDAs. A personal |
| use this technology to make the optimum use | | | | firewall, such as ZoneAlarm or BlackICE can |
| of your notebook. | | | | significantly add up to the security level of |
| | | | your notebook. |
| The 802.11g Wi-Fi standard is the latest | | | | |
| standard, which your notebook follows when | | | | 3 - Whenever you are using your notebook at a |
| you are online. The Wi-Fi alphabet spaghetti | | | | Wi-Fi hotspot, make it a point not to send |
| consists of protocols like 802.11, 802.15, | | | | data. While you are surfing, do not type your |
| 802.16, and 802.20. However, for most | | | | credit-card number, expiration date, |
| notebook users 802.11 would be sufficient | | | | passwords, bank account numbers, etc. |
| with added `a`, `b`, or `g`. | | | | Sensitive data are the goldmines for hackers, |
| | | | and they will swipe your bank account before |
| There are protocols like `e`, `h`, `i`, and | | | | you can finish saying, ` I have been a victim |
| `n` that are waiting in the wings to make | | | | of online identity theft!` |
| their entry. Nevertheless, as of now, 802.11g | | | | |
| is the only protocol that one needs to think | | | | 4 - Consider not staying online while |
| when it comes to wireless connectivity. The | | | | working. If the risks outweigh the benefits, |
| latest Wi-Fi standard is the 802.11g and | | | | then it would be better to stay offline; at |
| offers connection speeds up to 54 Mbps in the | | | | least until the new 802.11i standard is not |
| 2.4 GHz radio bands, which is five times more | | | | implemented. Even then, the security can be |
| than the previous standard 802.11b. It is | | | | breached, albeit with difficulty. If you do |
| more stable, more secure, and backward | | | | not need Wi-Fi to implement your work, then |
| compatible. | | | | stay switched off. If you need the Wi-Fi just |
| | | | to send and receive files, then stay |
| Almost all notebooks that are manufactured | | | | connected for only that period. Rest of the |
| today are 802.11g Wi-Fi standard ready. This | | | | time, stay offline. |
| standard is also designed to replace the | | | | |
| older Wired Equivalent Privacy or WEP by | | | | Precautions to take at a public Wi-Fi |
| specifying the Wi-Fi Protected Access or WPA. | | | | hotspot: |
| The WPA will function as an interim solution, | | | | |
| until the next standard, the 802.11i network | | | | Whenever you are in public domain, you need |
| security standard is implemented with a new | | | | to take precautions, as it is free for all. |
| algorithm called Temporal Key Integrity | | | | The Wi-Fi hotspots are available to any and |
| Protocol, which shall be much more secure and | | | | every person, and anybody can be connected. |
| reliable. | | | | Besides online thefts, there is also the risk |
| | | | of offline thefts. |
| However, until the new standard is | | | | |
| implemented, the 802.11g is to be followed. | | | | While in a public hotspot, do not be so |
| There are only two disadvantages with this | | | | absorbed with your notebook, that you fail to |
| notebook Wi-Fi standard, that firstly, since | | | | notice the people around you. There are |
| it is a new standard, it may not perform as | | | | persons who are in the business of stealing |
| promised; and secondly, with fast emerging | | | | notebooks, from public hotspots. And they do |
| latest technologies, it may become obsolete | | | | not operate as individuals but as a gang. |
| by newer standards before you have the time | | | | |
| to benefit from it. | | | | Also, while you are online at a public |
| | | | hotspot, follow simple rules like encrypting |
| Few tips for a secure Wi-Fi experience: | | | | files before transferring or emailing them; |
| | | | making sure you are connected to a legitimate |
| 1 - You should raise the level of your laptop | | | | access point; and file sharing is turned off. |
| settings. Raise the security settings of | | | | Basic precautions like password protecting |
| software applications like Microsoft Outlook | | | | your notebook, updating your system |
| and Internet Explorer. Update them frequently | | | | regularly, and using anti-virus software |
| to ensure latest protection from hackers and | | | | should be strictly followed. For further |
| viruses. You should keep the encryption | | | | online security, consider using a personal |
| feature always on to ensure safest browsing | | | | firewall, a virtual private network (VPN), |
| with Wi-Fi. | | | | and web-based email with secure http (https). |
| | | | |
| 2 - Along with the software, you should also | | | | Having a good Wi-Fi experience directly |
| consider updating to better hardware. Hackers | | | | translates into a satisfying Internet |
| have always found 802.11a and 802.11b very | | | | experience. With the above suggestions being |
| easy to hack. However, 802.11g is harder to | | | | implemented, you are guaranteed to have a |
| crack and you should consider upgrading your | | | | pleasant online time with your notebook. |