If you use your laptop on wireless networks, you need to be especially vigilant about security because the open network connection could present an "open door" to intruders.

Wireless networks are convenient, and they are becoming more and more popular in public places. It's great to be able to go down to the nearest coffee shop and read your email while enjoying breakfast. During a layover, you can carry on your work as usual by logging on to the local airport network.

Despite the convenience of public wireless networks, they to present a huge security risk if your laptop is not properly protected. Here are some things you can do to ensure that your privacy and your laptop is better protected on wireless networks:

Firewall and Antispyware is Critical

With an unlimited number of "strangers" sharing a public wi-fi hotspot, wireless networks are a haven for snoops and hackers. If you are not using a good internet security suite that includes a personal firewall and anti spyware, your laptop is ripe for the picking! Intruders can easily see your laptop on public wireless networks, and anyone who knows a bit about hacking can find a way in within minutes. Once he has access, he might plant a keylogger (a type of spyware) or a Trojan so he can control your laptop any time he wants.

In order to protect yourself from hackers and spyware, an internet security suite is your best bet. You get integrated antivirus software, a personal firewall and antispyware software, as well as other security features. There are many good internet security suites on the market. For laptops, I recommend either BitDefender Internet Security Suite, Panda Internet Security, Kaspersky Internet Security or f-Secure Internet Security. All of these products have an excellent reputation and have won numerous industry awards. They also run well on laptops, without causing a big performance lag.

System Updates and Software Patches a Must

The fewer security "holes" your laptop has, the better protected you are. Hackers and cyber criminals find system vulnerabilities to exploit, and write code that is designed to use certain "holes" (open ports) to transfer data in and out. As exploits are discovered system and application vendors develop "patches" that "plug the holes". If your laptop operating system, browser and all applications are up to date with the latest patches and service packs, you are protected against all known exploits.

New viruses, spyware and other malicious software is introduced onto the internet every day though, so don't think patching your system will keep you safe forever. Patching and updating is a continuing effort and should be done on a frequent basis.

Use VPN if Possible

Whenever you are on a public wireless network, you should establish a VPN connection if possible. Even if you are not logging on to your company's mail server, use VPN just to browse the internet. VPN creates a secure encrypted tunnel which data passes through. Although information thieves can decrypt data packets that are sent over VPN, it is much more difficult and probably not worth the effort to them. VPN gives you an extra layer of protection.

Don't Access Bank Websites or Enter Credit Card Data While on a Public Wireless Network

Because the data you transmit over a wireless network is in plain text form and unsecured, it is possible for thieves to capture your data transmissions on a wi-fi network. It is also more likely that someone may be looking over your shoulder. For this reason, never access financial websites while connected to a public wireless network. Don't do any online shopping either, because your credit card information could get into the wrong hands.

Scan Your Laptop for Spyware

If you access public wireless networks often, chances are you have picked up some spyware. Even if you are using a good internet security suite, spyware is so dangerous and so proliferant that its best to use a secondary spyware scanner just to make sure your laptop stays "clean". Perform a full system spyware scan on your laptop after every visit to a public wireless network. Be sure and download the latest spyware definitions first.

For serious spyware detection and removal, I recommend SpyCop. It has the largest spyware definitions database in the world and is designed to do one thing and one thing exceptionally well - find and destroy spyware. I use SpyCop as a secondary spyware scanning tool, with my primary defense being BitDefender Internet Security Suite. Here is some more information on Spycop. Spyware is the most dangerous thing that can happen to you, because it often results in identity theft. Spyware can also turn your laptop into a remote controlled "bot" that participates in illegal network attacks, spamming and money laundering schemes - all without your knowledge!