High Speed Internet Access (HSIA): Mobile Broadband

There has been a rash of reporting on the inherent security problems with wireless broadband services in hotels. IBahn put out a press release stating that their wifi networks are secure and that each system should be judged on its merits without applying blanket statements to the whole industry. The news is covered in Broadband Wireless Exchange Magazine.

The press release includes some good tips for travellers:

• Disable or block file sharing (and all other network services) on interfaces used for broadband access
• Enable Windows Firewall or (preferably) install a third-party personal firewall
• Use file encryption, available in Windows XP Professional and other products
• Choose non-obvious passwords to deter notebook, data, and server access
• Use a VPN or encrypted mobile application, ideally with two-factor (hardware or biometric) authentication
• Choose public Wi-Fi access that provides enhanced security services
• Connect only to known SSIDs
• Disable ad-hoc mode and automated connection to non-preferred SSIDs
• Use a host intrusion detection agent to detect/prevent risky connections, including bridging between wireless and wired interfaces

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