Web users who utilise public wireless broadband hotspots to access the internet have been advised to take steps to safeguard their connections.

According to a spokesperson for the National Computing Centre, it has been reported that some people have set up bogus hotspots - which have been found to be unprotected.

He added that internet users should make sure their PCs are properly equipped with antivirus and anti-spam software and that the network they are using is secure, particularly if they are carrying out online banking transactions.

"You just have to make sure you are logging on to a known network and that there is the right level of security in place," the spokesperson stated.

"Typically, your computer will tell you if it is a protected wireless network and what the address is."

According to computer security firm Sophos, over half of Britons have used someone else's wireless broadband connection without their knowledge in the past.

Categories: Wireless Broadband

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