3 Ways to Protect Yourself on Public WiFi

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- Vary your passwords. One of the most common security breaches happens when someone discovers a password that you use online. Many people reuse passwords on all or many of their accounts, which means one stolen password may place a lot of things at risk. Don't use the same password for Facebook as you use for your bank account, and try to change your passwords once or twice a year, just in case.
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- Stay on secure sites. Some websites are secured with a Secure Sockets Layer (SSL), which you can tell by the web address; it should say "https" instead of "http." That extra letter means those sites are encrypting your information, such as credit card numbers and your user ID and password, so hackers can't get access to them. If you're not on a secure site, definitely don't enter sensitive information.
- Double-check the WiFi network. This is a decidedly low-tech form of protection, but make sure the WiFi network you connect to is the one the coffee shop offers. Sometimes hackers will set up similarly named networks that reach the same spot in the hopes patrons will confuse them. Using the hacker's network makes it easier for him or her to steal your information while your computer is connected. You may feel foolish asking the barista for the WiFi connection's name, but it's worth it.
- Do You Have Standing to Bring an Internet Security Claim? (FindLaw's U.S. First Circuit Blog)
- Caution: Wi-Fi Names Lead to Disputes, Crimes (FindLaw's Law and Daily Life)
- How Private Are Personal Emails Sent Via Employer Computers? (FindLaw's Technologist)
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