Free wireless local area networks (Wi-Fi) enable anyone with a Wi-Fi enabled device to connect to the Internet.

Once a perk reserved for public settings like coffee shops, libraries, hotels, or college campuses, Wi-Fi is now a necessity everywhere - even in flight. It is a tremendous resource for small business owners - especially on the road. But what are the dangers of free Wi-Fi and how can you protect your data from snoops?

Cautions for Using Wi-Fi Hotspots

If you use free hot spots to connect to the Internet, assume others are able to read your mail and access data you are sending across the Internet. Use these commonsense precautions as a guide to protect yourself and your employees when using Wi-Fi networks:

Free Wi-Fi networks do not offer data encryption or security. Because your communications are not secure on these networks, avoid conducting business containing personal or customer identification information when you are connected to free Wi-Fi networks.

Use only secure protocols such as "https" and "POP3" to access your e-mail. If you are on a site beginning with the letters https, the "s" indicates you are operating on a "hypertext transfer-protocol secure" server. Likewise, POP3 is a protocol that uses encryption technology to protect email content as it travels between servers.

If your organization has a virtual private network (VPN), use it. Information to and from your virtual private network will be encrypted.

Establish Wi-Fi usage policies for smart phone and laptop users. Because smart phones have both cellular and Wi-Fi capability, users often shift to free Wi-Fi hotspots to connect to the Internet when their cell network is slow. Be sure your company keeps its firewall and antivirus software programs up-to-date.

Watch for eavesdroppers. Some people in public settings may try to obtain passwords as you enter them or read your documents to steal personal information. Consider a filter that adheres to your laptop screen to prevent eavesdropping in public places.

Beware of hotspot hijackers. Common in Internet cafes, these are fake access points used to fool you into connecting, then used to record all traffic in and out of your PC. Ensure the access point is legitimate by asking the Wi-Fi provider the name of the network. This scam is called the "man in the middle."

Disconnect from the Wi-Fi connection before you log off. Limit the time you spend on free wireless networks to limit your vulnerability to intruders.

These safety measures will help ensure that the likelihood your company's valuable data is protected when working outside of your office environment.