Internet and online security - 49
security risks to the personal information available on our laptops
and smartphones. A virtual private network (VPN) gives you online
privacy and anonymity by creating a private network from a
public internet connection. VPNs mask your internet protocol (IP)
address so your online actions are virtually untraceable as well as
secure. One of the biggest security risks on public Wi-Fi are man-
in-the-middle attacks (MITM). These attacks are akin to
eavesdropping. Data is sent from point A (computer) to point B
(server/website), and an attacker can get in-between these
transmissions. They then set up tools programmed to "listen in"
on transmissions, intercept data that is specifically targeted as
valuable, and capture the data, such as your login credentials and
passwords.
Use a virtual private network (VPN) to ensure your privacy and
anonymity are protected when you use public Wi-Fi. VPN services
can encrypt all the data that you send and receive while using a
public Wi-Fi hotspot, securing your information from hackers and
other users of the same connection.
For more tips on how to stay safe
Good security habits can reduce your exposure to online crime.
By adopting a few basic behaviors, you can make big strides in
reducing cybercrime risk:
• Protect your accounts with strong, unique passwords that use a
combination of at least 10 uppercase and lowercase letters,
symbols and numbers.
• Don't click on random links or open unsolicited messages and
attachments-particularly from people you don't know.
• Don't access any personal information or social media accounts
over unprotected Wi-Fi networks.
• Use security software on your devices to help protect yourself
from the latest threats.
Protect your computer with Windows security tools
Windows provides a variety of protection applications.
