Consumer Services

Wi-Fi Hackers Targeting Travelers: Tricks of the Trade

A Wi-Fi hotspot is a convenient tool for travelers who want to keep in touch with friends, family or the office while away from home. It is a wireless Internet network that can be found just about anywhere, such as airports, hotels, coffee shops, parks and school campuses. However, most users don't realize that Wi-Fi hotspots are vulnerable to hackers who set up what's known as "evil twin" networks, or phony Wi-Fi hotspots, to steal your personal information.

Hackers are able to do this because security on Wi-Fi networks is set low to allow everyone to be able to access it. That means that often there is no password or registration needed to use the service, and e-mails and instant messages are not encrypted.

Just as you wouldn't leave the front door to your home open to intruders, the Miami-Dade Consumer Services Department advises Wi-Fi users not to leave their computers, smartphones or any other Wi-Fi devices exposed to criminals.

Common Rip-offs

• Watch out for fake login pages. Hackers set up fake pages that look like the real thing to trick people into typing their login information and passwords. Glance at the address bar to verify that you are at the authentic webpage.

• Check for typos on a login site. They are usually a giveaway that the site is not authentic.

• Check for security symbols. While you're on the login page, if your browser doesn't display the lock symbol in the bottom right corner indicating that the connection is encrypted, disconnect immediately.

Consumer Smarts

• Avoid logging into financial accounts of any kind. Never enter sensitive data such as social security numbers, bank account or credit card information.

• Don't e-mail or instant message unless your workplace or other institution has given you access to a virtual private network, or VPN. The VPN is a secure network that encrypts information sent to and from your computer.

• Keep the security on your electronic Wi-Fi devices up-to-date. Make sure you have firewall, antivirus and antispyware software installed.

• Don't use the same password for all your online accounts so that if it is stolen, hackers won't be able to use it on more than one webpage.

• Make sure your computer does not automatically log on to wireless networks by adjusting the Internet security settings on your computer.

• Turn off the computer when you're not around to ensure that it's not picking up a wireless network signal.

If you're a victim of a computer crime, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement recommends first reporting the crime to your local police department or sheriff's office. Visit the FDLE's website, www.fdle.state.fl.us/fc3, for more information on how to file a computer crime complaint or call (850) 617-1350.

For more consumer tips, or to check the complaint history of a company, file a complaint or ask consumer-related questions, visit the Miami-Dade Consumer Services Department website at www.miamidade.gov/csd or call (305) 375-3677.

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