Pub. 6 2016-2017 Issue 4

O V E R A C E N T U R Y : B U I L D I N G B E T T E R B A N K S - H E L P I N G C O L O R A D A N S R E A L I Z E D R E A M S January • February 2017 17 PCWorld contributor Eric Geier conducted an experiment at a local coffee shop using a variety of the methods above and, for under $100 and within a fewminutes, was able to see which pages the networks’ users were accessing as well as their login credentials. He was even able to hijack users’ accounts that were already open. In addition to gathering data at the point of connection, malicious software (“malware”) can be slipped onto your computer with the ability to turn on your camera, steal your files, gather passwords, or record your keystrokes. Malware has become more advanced and can go months without ever being detected by many anti-virus programs. Minimizing Risk on Public Wi-Fi The biggest challenge for public Wi-Fi users is that it’s almost impossible to know if you’re being snooped or if your device is being infected with malware. The tools used to hack public Wi-Fi networks are easily accessible and low cost. Efforts to improve network security by many public Wi-Fi providers remains minimal at best. Virtual Private Networks (“VPNs”) are helpful in minimizing risk, but still leave a de - vice vulnerable because they can’t be activated until after a connection is made. Two factor authentication (2FA) provides additional se - curity against thieves trying to steal login information by requiring – as the name suggestions – an additional way to authenticate to ensure that you are who you say you are. In most cases, this is a text message/SMS containing a short code that you enter into the website. Most major platforms like Google, Facebook, Twitter, and several banks have a two factor authentication option. The best defense mechanism is some deliberation and common sense: • Examine the network’s name and look for duplicates. Try to find an employee that works at the location where you’re trying to connect to get the network’s exact name and ISP if possible. • Prevent accidentally logging into an unsecured net- work by adjusting your settings so that you must manually select and join a preferred network. • Don’t access sensitive websites such as your bank or shopping sites that store your credit card. Leave those for home connection only. • Remember that every device is at risk – laptops, phones and tablets. Because it’s completely impossible to remove the risk of identity theft over public Wi-Fi, consider a proactive identity monitoring service, like Generali Global Assistance’ Iris® Identity Protection, that will alert you of suspicious activity related to your personal information.  For more information, visit irisonwatch.com n The biggest challenge for public Wi-Fi users is that it’s almost impossible to know if you’re being snooped or if your device is being infected with malware. The tools used to hack public Wi-Fi networks are easily accessible and low cost. Efforts to improve network security by many public Wi-Fi providers remains minimal at best. Virtual Private Networks (“VPNs”) are helpful in minimizing risk, but still leave a device vulnerable because they can’t be activated until after a connection is made.