Ways Technology Threatens Your Privacy (and How to Protect Yourself)

9) Public Wi-Fi

Blossoming wireless hotspots in cafés, airports, and hotels make toting a laptop more useful than ever. But, a public Wi-Fi connection could open the door for a hacker to pilfer your personal data. To keep them out, make sure you have an operating firewall -- newer Windows PCs and Macs have them built-in. Public Wi-Fi networks also may not encrypt the data they carry, so avoid typing in credit-card numbers or any other financial information. If you must, make sure the site you are on is secured -- you'll know if it is if the browser shows a little locked padlock at the bottom right and the address at the top starts with "https," not "http."