In providing this Security Statement and the FAQs
that follow, Hot Point endeavors to assist users in
learning more about the security limitations and features
of our hotspot service.
Please do check
out the Security FAQs >>
Public wireless Internet access providers such as Hot Point
do not provide WEP or WPA encryption of Internet
traffic to and from your computer. This means that
text, emails and instant messaging is sent "in
the clear" unless you specifically use encryption
technology.
Our network does support secure Virtual Private Network
(VPN) access. If your company has a VPN, we recommend
that you use it for optimum security.
If you do not have a company VPN, try a third party
VPN service such as HotSpotVPN.com.
Access your email server via SSL or use your ISP's
SSL secured WebMail.
Utilize SSH (secure shell host).
You should always observe standard security practices
on the Internet:
Only submit passwords and credit card information to
SSL secured websites. Check for the "SSL Secure" icon
on your web browser.
Enable "personal firewall" on your computer.
Use anti-virus software and keep your anti-virus DAT
files upto date.
Never open attachments that you are not expecting or
that are from people you do not know.
Never forward an email that asks you to forward it
to all your friends, without checking the Urban Legends
Reference Pages.
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The Hot Point network is based
on evolving wireless technology and is not inherently
secure. We therefore
cannot guarantee the privacy of your data and communications
while using the hotspot service. Wireless LAN (local
area network) services, like Hot Point, include over-the-air
communications that may be illicitly intercepted by
equipment and software designed for that purpose. For
your protection, at all hotspot locations, credit card
or other payment card information you send to us via
our website is encrypted using secure socket layer
("SSL") technology. Similarly, at all hotspot
locations, the Hot Point password change process is
encrypted using SSL technology. Except in a small number
of locations where the hotspot login page notes otherwise
(and requires you to check a box by the notice before
using the service), customer's user names and passwords
are encrypted by means of SSL technology, which prevents
unauthorized persons from reading that information.
However, other user communications are transmitted "in
the clear" (meaning they are not encrypted) and
so may be vulnerable to unauthorized interception.
Additionally, devices using wireless connections may
be more vulnerable to illicit attempts to access data
and software stored on the device.
Hot Point strongly recommends users take measures to
secure their devices and Internet communications. We
encourage and support user-provided security solutions,
including virtual private networks, encryption and
personal firewalls. It is the user's responsibility
to take precautions and provide security measures suited
to their situation and intended use of the service.
Hot Point does not currently provide these solutions
to users and cannot guarantee or otherwise be responsible
for their effectiveness. Hot Point advises that safeguards
should be used for any use of wireless technology via
any service provider. If you are interested in learning
more, a few sources of additional information are:
the National Infrastructure Protection Center's website
at http://www.nipc.gov/publications/nipcpub/bestpract.html
and CERT's website at http://www.cert.org/tech_tips/home_networks.html.
Please keep in mind that this statement and the FAQs
only address the Hot Point wireless local area network,
and are limited in scope. They do not and are not intended
to cover all types of network, device or Internet security
issues or risks. For example, wired and wireless networks
and devices (such as PDAs, desk top and laptop computers,
and servers) may be susceptible to viruses, Trojan
horses, and denial of service attacks. We encourage
users to use other resources, such as those found on
the Internet, and at libraries or in bookstores, for
comprehensive information concerning these and other
security risks and issues. Hot Point may update this
Security Statement and the FAQs from time to time.
Please check them regularly for updates. If you have
questions about privacy, please see the Privacy Policy
posted on the Hot Point web site.