Wayport provides public access to the internet. There are potentially serious security issues with any computer connected to the internet without the appropriate protection. This can be true of connections made through a wireless network, a cable modem, dial-up access or otherwise. These security issues range from viruses, worms and other programs that can damage the user's computer to attacks on the computer by unauthorized or unwanted third parties. These parties, known commonly as "hackers" may attempt to penetrate the user's computer and download information from the user's computer. If the user has unprotected files on the computer, these files may be visible to hackers on the internet, potentially including parties with criminal intent. Hackers also exploit vulnerabilities in operating systems to cause malicious damage to a user's computer or even a whole company's network, up to and including the destruction or deletion of files or the re-formatting of drives. It is recommended that the user uses either a personal firewall or Virtual Private Network systems to protect this information. Wayport advises the user that he/she should consult a security expert to determine whether there are any potential security holes in their computer's configuration. EACH OF WAYPORT , THE OWNER AND MANAGER OF THE VENUE AT WHICH THE INTERNET IS ACCESSED SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIMS ANY LIABILITY FOR UNAUTHORIZED THIRD-PARTY SECURITY BREACHES OR THE RESULTS THEREOF. WAYPORT PROVIDES ACCESS TO THE INTERNET AND THE WAYPORT NETWORK ON AN "AS IS" BASIS WITH ALL RISKS INHERENT IN SUCH ACCESS. BY CONNECTING TO THE WAYPORT NETWORK, THE USER ACKNOWLEDGES THE RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH PUBLIC ACCESS TO THE INTERNET AND HEREBY RELEASES AND INDEMNIFIES WAYPORT, THE OWNER AND MANAGER OF THE VENUE AT WHICH THE INTERNET IS ACCESSED, AND ANY AFFILIATE OF THE FOREGOING PARTIES FROM ANY DAMAGES THAT MIGHT OCCUR.
For your information, we have set forth some common security problems. Please note that this list is not intended to be exclusive, and new security risks are being developed on a daily basis. Here are some common risks:
Packet sniffing:
In certain configurations, every packet of information on the internet can be "sniffed" by a third party. In the case of a wired network connection at a Wayport facility, the packets are on a switched network. This prevents packet sniffing on the Wayport network. However, in a wireless connection using IEEE 802.11b wireless (commonly known as Wi-Fi), packets can be "sniffed" by someone on the wireless network with the appropriate software. This allows the hacker to see every piece of information that the user sends across the network. There are two precautions that you can use to protect your information.
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Do not send any sensitive information including passwords, credit card or other sensitive information using a wireless connection.
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Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN). VPNs encrypt all of the information sent by the user, so the information is useless to a hacker.
Net Bios:
One of the most dangerous problems with internet access is Net Bios access. This is a serious security hole that can enable third parties to "scan" every file on your system. Net Bios runs on port 139. Wayport blocks this access from outside sources, but within a hotel the property from which you may be using the Wayport access, Net Bios cannot currently be blocked locally while still allowing the system to function properly. This means that someone could be on the property scanning your files. Net bios is required for certain useful things such as file sharing and network printing, but you can take advantage of these features without opening a security hole. There are several things that you can do to protect yourself against this attack.
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Turn off file sharing. If you have file sharing turned on, then other people on the network can view the files on your computer.
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Encrypt or protect sensitive files with passwords. Many programs offer the ability to password protect the file before opening. If a hacker is able to get access to these files, then they would not be able to open the files without a password.
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Disable Net Bios enabled programs. There are some programs that enable Net Bios that are not required for common use on the internet. There are several sites such as "Test my Shields" at https://grc.com/x/ne.dll?bh0bkyd2 that are helpful in testing security holes and educating users on how to protect themselves. We suggest that you check with your company network administrator first, so that he or she will be able to specifically advise you on this matter and will be made aware of a change in settings that you are effectuating.
Note that security on the internet is a rapidly changing landscape. New attacks are springing up all of the time. Wayport recommends that you consult with your company's security experts to ensure that your computer is protected when you are on the internet. Note that these security holes exist not only on public access networks provided by Wayport, but also on any internet system such as a DSL or Cable Modem connection in your home or office. The suggestions given herein are provided as a courtesy, and do not replace specific personalized advice provided by your network administrators, company computer security personnel or other security experts with whom you may be working. WHILE WE HAVE ENDEAVORED TO BE ACCURATE AND TO PROVIDE INFORMATION FROM SOURCES WE BELIEVE TO BE ACCURATE, WE DISCLAIM ANY OBLIGATION TO UPDATE THIS, AND WE WILL NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY DAMAGES YOU MAY INCUR, INCLUDING FOR SPECIAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OR LOST PROFITS (WHETHER FORESEEABLE OR NOT) BY RELYING ON THE ADVICE HEREIN.
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