What are the risks of not securing my wireless network?

Without taking basic security precautions, your new wireless network is vulnerable to attacks from hackers, attempts from scammers to steal your personal information, and also to neighbors looking to "piggyback" for free on your Internet connection.

How secure are wireless hotspots?

Given their wide-open nature, there is no way to guarantee privacy on wireless hotspots. That means you have to operate under the assumption that everywhere you surf, everything you IM, and everything you email is potentially available for everyone else to see.

What can I do to protect myself when I go online using a Wi-Fi hotspot?

By making common sense choices and putting safeguards in place, you can greatly reduce your exposure to risk. Here are some tips to help you experience the Internet the way you want to.

1. When joining a public hotspot, make certain you're logging onto a legitimate network. Check with the hotspot provider to confirm the network name and to see what the logon should look like.
2. Use secure sites to send and receive personal information. Look for a closed padlock or an unbroken key on the bottom of your browser or your computer task bar.
3. If you use instant messaging or e-mail at public hotspots, never send anything you wouldn't want a stranger to read.
4. Turn off your wireless card when you're not using it. If your wireless card is set to automatically join the nearest network, change that configuration to manual selection.
5. Turn off file sharing while you're connected to a public hotspot. If you have highly sensitive or personal data on your laptop, consider storing it elsewhere.
6. Install strong personal firewall and state-of-the-art virus protection to protect your laptop from intruders and malicious code.

Where can I learn more about computing using a wireless network?

Right here at Club Symantec. Visit our article "Goodbye Wires. How to Install a Wi-Fi Network." It explains in more detail how to install a wireless network in your home, while keeping your information safe from security threats.

Does Symantec have a product that can protect my personal information and my computer?

Yes we do. Norton Internet Security 2007 is Symantec's most robust product that can help the fight against having your identity stolen or your computer infested. It offers comprehensive protection from bogus emails, hackers, and destructive viruses.