Using Starbucks’ WIFI? Security Pro Issues Warning and Security Checklist
June 27, 2010
At first glance, the free WIFI service at Starbucks seems like a great idea for mobile professionals. Starbucks’ free Internet service is a response to growing competition – McDonald’s upgraded coffee offerings and free WIFI, which have proved to be popular in the economic downturn.
Starbucks announced the service effective July 1, 2010.
But the WIFI offering by Starbucks has prompted a security warning and checklist from a go-to Internet security guru, Dr. Stan Stahl of Citadel Information Group in Los Angeles. His commentary is entitled, “Free WIFI at Starbucks – Reminder of Cybersecurity Risk.”
“While most of the common risk is eavesdropping, one cannot overlook the risk of computer compromise,” writes Dr. Stahl.
His five security recommendations:
- No online banking or other eCommerce
- No e-mail containing sensitive information except via an approved encrypted link from PC to Mail Server
- Keep anti-virus or host intrusion software up-to-date
- Make sure software patches are up-to-date
- Use VPN (virtual private network) for access to office
Respectively, here are Dr. Stahl’s Web site and blog addresses: www.citadel-information.com, www.citadelonsecurity.blogspot.com.
From the Coach’s Corner, Dr. Stahl’s expertise is also quoted in these Biz Coach columns:
