Announcements
JiWire Offers Tips to Help Online Shoppers Protect Themselves When Connecting Wirelessly this Holiday Season
With Evil Twin access points, Wiphishing scams and wireless 'sniffing' on the rise, security recommendations help Internet purchasers maintain safe wireless connections.
San Francisco, Calif. – December 15, 2005 -JiWire, the leading provider of information and services to help people connect to the Internet without wires, today revealed several ways for people to safely shop online when using WiFi hotspots this holiday season.
Several new and ongoing threats pose risks for people accessing the Internet via public WiFi networks, including "Evil Twin" access points, WiPhishing scams and wireless sniffers ? all of which are designed to access personal information from unknowing victims. By following the tips below, offered by JiWire's team of experts, users can take significant steps to protect themselves.
- Always secure your wireless connection using a virtual private network (VPN) or a similar service like JiWire SpotLock (http://www.jiwire.com/spotlock.htm) to keep your Internet activities safe and anonymous as they travel "through the air."
- Use legitimate WiFi hotspots intended for public use to minimize the risk of connecting to a rogue network. JiWire offers a free directory of verified public hotspots at http://www.jiwire.com.
- Use a personal firewall to prevent wireless hackers from gaining access to your computer.
- Use anti-virus software to minimize the risk of being infected with malicious programs from other computers using the same network.
- Protect yourself the old-fashioned way and be aware of people around you who may be eavesdropping on your online transactions.
To find JiWire's full article and additional "how to" details about avoiding wireless threats both on-the-road and at home, go to: http://www.jiwire.com/wi-fi-security-introduction-overview.htm.
"This year more people than ever before are conducting their holiday shopping online ? many of them over wireless connections," said Kevin McKenzie, CEO of JiWire. "A majority of online shoppers are highly vulnerable to having their personal information hijacked when using WiFi because they're not aware of simple steps they can take to protect themselves. We came up with this list of tips to help educate people that taking a few precautions can make a world of difference."
About JiWire
Founded in 2003, JiWire provides information and services to help mobile professionals and computer enthusiasts find and connect to the wireless Internet. Through relationships with 400 Wireless Internet Service Providers (WISPs) and thousands of independent venues, JiWire offers the most comprehensive and up-to-date guide to verified public hotspot locations around the world as well as unbiased how-to guides, product reviews, and industry news. This critical information, combined with services to manage and securely connect to any wireless network, offer users everything they need to safely and easily connect without wires -- anywhere. Customers include AvantGo, CNET Networks, Forbes.com, iPass, PC World, and USATODAY.com, among others. JiWire.com was named one of the "50 Coolest Websites" by Time Magazine and is a recipient of a 2005 Mobility Award presented by MobileTrax. With over one million people using JiWire's services, the company has created one of the world's largest WiFi communities. To learn more, please visit www.jiwire.com.
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