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One Step Ahead |
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December 18, 2012,
Volume 59, No. 16 |
Another tip in a series provided by the Offices of Information Systems & Computing and Audit, Compliance & Privacy.
Stay Secure while Working on Public Wi-Fi Networks
During the holidays, many of us will travel and find ourselves connecting to web-hosted services in public locations such as coffee shops, hotel lobbies, and airport terminals. Public Wi-Fi networks seldom offer the level of security and protection provided by institutional networks like AirPennNet.
Using unsecured networks can put you and your information at grave risk. Various programs can allow criminals to capture and reassemble the webpages you are viewing and files you transfer.
When you must conduct sensitive business on a public Wi-Fi network:
- Make sure any website you login to and any services you set up on your laptop or phone (like email), is secured with SSL encryption. If a website connection is secured, its address will begin with https:// instead of just http://, and you should see a padlock or other indicator somewhere on the browser screen (usually in the lower right hand corner) showing SSL encryption is in use.
- Position yourself and your device in a way that prevents individuals in close proximity to you from seeing your screen and keyboard.
- Be aware that many popular sites like Facebook, Twitter and Yahoo still don’t fully use SSL encryption.
Don’t let your year come to a close on a sour note. Exercise caution and follow these simple steps while working away from home to have a safe, happy, and secure holiday season.
For additional tips, see the One Step Ahead link on the Information Security website: www.upenn.edu/computing/security/
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Almanac -
December 18, 2012, Volume 59, No. 16
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