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Protect your personal information while using Wi-Fi networks

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is offering consumers a tip sheet on how to protect their privacy while using Wi-Fi networks. Wi-Fi networks enable users to connect wirelessly to the Internet by extending broadband service in your own home, or by connecting to “hot spots” in public spaces, like airports, coffee shops, and hotels. When you are connected to a Wi-Fi network, however, many people are unaware that information being transmitted about them (such as bank account numbers or addresses of websites visited) can be intercepted by others. It's important to be aware of this both in your home and in public spaces when using a Wi-Fi network.

The FCC recommends the following tips for consumers:

Turn on encryption Encrypted information is encoded information that cannot be easily deciphered if intercepted. Today, encrypting information transmitted on your Wi-Fi network is as easy as activating the encryption feature on your wireless router. Check the instructions that came with your router for information on how to do so. If your computer and router will support it, WPA2 is the most effective encryption standard for Wi-Fi. Only log in or send personal data to fully encrypted sites To determine if a website is encrypted, look for https at the beginning of a site’s web address (the “s” is for “secure”) and a lock icon at the bottom or top of your browser window. Make sure that https appears the entire time you’re logged in -- some sites use encryption only for the sign-in page, but if any part of your session isn’t encrypted, you could be at risk. Activate the router firewall Both in the actual and virtual world, a firewall is a barrier intended to confine or restrict a hazard. As with encryption, constructing a firewall on your Wi-Fi network is as simple as activating that feature on your wireless router. Change the router default password The password for your router is the key to administering device settings on your router. Many wireless routers come with default passwords that others may know or be able to figure out easily. Change the password to your router to a unique combination of letter, numbers, and symbols that only you know in order to ensure that you will be the only one who holds the keys to your router.

Turn off your wireless network when you’re not using it If you’re in a public Wi-Fi area but not using the Internet, disable your wireless connection by either removing your external Wi-Fi card or clicking on your internal Wi-Fi connection.

Download a .pdf copy of the FCC's Tip Sheet on Wi-Fi Networks and Consumer Privacy

For information about other Wi-Fi issues, visit onguardonline.gov You can also contact the FCC’s Consumer Center at 1-888-CALL-FCC (1-888-225-5322) voice or 1-888-TELL-FCC (1-888-835-5322) TTY; fax to 1-866-418-0232