Wireless Technology

There are many wireless technologies and connections these days. This article briefly discusses EVDO, wireless hotspot security and wireless VPNs.

EVDO
EVDO is Evolution Data Optimized, and it is basically a technology that enables us to get high-speed internet access through cell phone towers.  Service providers like Verizon Wireless and Sprint charge about $60 per month for the service.  There are a few different ways to enable your laptop to use this service, including a card, a USB device, or built-in.  For example, when I configured my Dell laptop, I ordered it with built-in EVDO pre-configured for Verizon Wireless.  If you travel a lot with your laptop, EVDO can certainly make you more productive since you'll always be connected.

Wireless Hotspot Security
There are a couple of things to keep in mind as you travel about and connect your laptop to public wireless "hotspots" commonly found at hotels, Starbucks, airports and so on.  Firstly, it is important to realize that by connecting to the hotspot, you are actually connecting your laptop to a network, along will all other users of the hotspot.  That means that your computer is potentially available to other users of the network, including any shared folders you may have.  Since there are port scanners that probe all computers on a network looking for openings, you need to turn on your firewall.  If you are a Windows user, be sure to turn on your Windows Firewall via the Control Panel.  Once you turn it on, you should probably just leave it on.  This will reduce the risks of unintentionally sharing your files with others and of picking up viruses.

Another thing to realize is that you may be connecting to an unencrypted hotspot, and that means that the transmissions between your computer and the hotspot are unencrypted.  Those types of transmissions could potentially be picked up by others, so just be sure to use care.  For example, think twice before checking email with a password that is transmitted in plain-text since it could be read by others.  Any website that has an SSL connection (https:// prefix) is encrypted, so those transmissions should be ok. 

Wireless VPNs
Connecting to your corporate network from a remote location is very convenient.  Connecting wirelessly even more so.  Regardless of your internet connection type (EVDO, 802.11 wifi, wired) the VPN concept remains the same.  A VPN (Virtual Private Network) is a secure connection over the internet to your corporate network.  Since VPNs are encrypted, even if the wireless hotspot you connect through isn't encrypted, transmissions through the VPN are safe from prying eyes. 

If you don't have a VPN set up, SonicWall has several products designed for small and medium business that provide good features for a reasonable price.  In addition, SonicWall has an SSL-VPN product that connects through a web browser and has a two-factor authentication option.  Basically, to gain access you first enter your username and password.  If they are correct, then the SSL-VPN device will generate a random one-time-password that is instantly sent to your cell phone.  Since gaining access to your corporate network requires something you know (password) and something you physically have (cell phone) it makes it more difficult for hackers to gain access to your network.

Wireless technology is certainly convenient, and has enabled me to be far more productive since I can essentially do my work from virtually any location.  In fact, I've run our firm's payroll while sitting in the back of a truck on a farm in South Dakota.  You gotta love wireless!!