|
|
Do you remember when I told you about that time I logged on to a hotel’s free Wi-Fi and my firewall stopped someone from gaining access to my computer? Well I was reminded of that this week when a friend of mine sent me a link to an article on cnn.com about “sidejacking”. Have you heard the term? Sidejacking is when someone gains access to your browser session without your knowledge and can gain access to websites that you are into which logged.
The article “Using wifi? Firesheep may endanger your security” explains about a new extension that runs in Firefox that allows the user to have access to whatever browser you are using. The creator apparently wanted to prove the point that it is easy for criminals to gain access to your computer without your knowledge. Apparently you no longer have to be tech savvy, you just have to know this program exists to be able to gain access to someone’s email or Facebook!
Even if you say that you don’t use free Wi-Fi, you may still be at risk. If you use Wi-Fi, even on a password protected network (work, school campuses, etc), criminals or anyone using the program can gain access to your computer if they are on the same network.
I thought this was a great reminder for us all. PC and Mac users alike can benefit from the following quick tips:
– A comprehensive anti-virus package will come with a firewall. Make sure that yours is installed and turned on so that it blocks unwanted intruders.
– Don’t let your browser save your passwords to important sites such as email and social networks. Never save your bank password in your browser!
– Make your home page something that doesn’t automatically log you in to a site.
– Make your own Wi-Fi – not an inexpensive solution, but having your own Wi-Fi adapter or using an app that will turn your 3g or 4g phone into a personal Wi-Fi port will protect your info.
Thanks LL for sending me this article to read! This was a great reminder to take a few minutes to surf securely!
Stay safe out there!
Tracy
|
|
Tags: Cyber Security Mom, Family Safety, McAfee Initiative to Fight Cybercrime