Security risk in a wireless enviroment

I was reading an article in Hospitality Upgrade by Tia D LLori about the security risk associated with wireless access in hotels and restaurants. Many people feel that when they use their laptops in wireless venues that their data is safe from tampering, but according to Tia the risk are elevated when in a public wireless access hub. Thieves in today's environment are smarter and have ways to access your computer by using programs that allow them to eavesdrop on open wifi signals. Many thieves have even created their own bogus websites that redirect unsuspecting wifi users to false websites that encourage you to enter pins or access codes. Scammers today have found ways to disrupt wifi ,collect information through the kaos, they then use this information in another attack. The good news is there are precautions we can take in order to protect ourselves. The first is not to send important credit card or bank card information in a public or unprotected area, make sure you have a firewall on your wireless device and try to use pass codes that are not easily cracked, don't use common names or default pass codes. Another important piece of advice was to make sure you don't leave your wireless device unattended. Some of this stuff seems obvious but you would be surprised how many people are not taking any precautions to protect themselves. andhttp://www.hospitalityupgrade.com/_magazine/magazine_Detail-ID-549-Wireless-Networks---A-Customer-Loyalty-Dream-Can-Become-a-Security-Nightmare.asp


Reflection:
I found this article to be very informational, many people don't realize the need to be careful when using today's technology. Technology is moving at the speed of light, and even kids today often have very sophisticated pieces of technology. Phones And laptops are found in nearly every public place I can think of, many of us use our black berries or ipads to do important banking or changing of personal information. Making hotel reservations in public wifi areas or buying stuff off amazon can be very risky when you consider the sophistication of today's thieves. I know i will be more caution when using technology in public, especially when i am dealing with pass codes or pins. It seems to me that the safe route is to make sure your wireless technology has good security and does not leave your site when in public places.