The connection to the internet provided by using wireless access protocols in a certain region is called a hotspot. Hotspot actually means Wi-Fi connection, and it's popular usage today. The concept of hotspot was first used by Brett Stewart in 1993 at the NetWorld + Intercop conference. After Nokia used this concept, which was not known much until 1998, it started to become more widespread with the 21st century.
The hotspot connections that are delivered to people using a wireless modem or router make communication between devices sustainable using radio frequencies. The signal strength of hotspot connections can sometimes affect the shooting quality of the devices. The higher the connection quality, the faster the internet speed.
There are two types of hotspot networks. These networks are;
Free Wi-Fi Hotspots: Wi-Fi hotspot connections provide users with free network services and internet connection. All users can connect to these networks without the need for a password. These hotspots, which are suitable for public use, have some important risks, although they are free. These networks, where security vulnerabilities can be encountered, generally serve in schools, bars, airports, libraries and parks.
Commercial Hotspots: In order to use these hotspots, either a certain fee or certain conditions must be met. People using commercial hotspots can see how much they benefit from the network and the fee they have to pay accordingly.
Hotspots, which are widely used today, bring many people together on a single network. Although it is seen as a good situation when viewed from a distance, many people benefit from the same network, especially in public areas, increasing the risks of current vulnerabilities. For example, people using free Wi-Fi hotspots can steal their personal data by hacking unauthorized access to their computers. Therefore, before using free hotspots provided in the public domain, it is necessary to install security software like Hotspot Shield on the computer, even if simple.
Using Hotspot
From shopping malls to bars and even libraries, you can connect to free hotspot networks with your smartphone, computer or tablet and start enjoying the internet. Connecting to a wireless hotspot network is quite simple. All you have to do is activate the 'Wireless Network' option of your device and connect to the unencrypted hotspot network where you see the signal. Usually you will be presented with a small registration screen and you will be asked to verify your identity. You can then start logging on to the Internet using SMS or any other verification method.
Hotspot Security
The biggest problem of hotspot networks is that we keep our personal works, pictures, files, in short, all our data on computers as a result of technology's penetration into our lives. As such, we can remain vulnerable to hackers in hotspot networks whose security is always questioned. If you are looking for a free Wi-Fi network to connect to the internet in the public domain, be sure to connect to a relatively more reliable network, such as hotels, cafes, restaurants.
Hotspot networks, where there is Barqnet and similar software, are much more reliable than others. These networks are secured networks that are protected against possible attacks. But no matter what precautions are taken, the presence of a hacker on the network to which you are connected always poses a great risk.
If you have a file sharing program on your computer and you are using it on a network whose reliability is questioned, hackers can infiltrate your computer using malicious software. You may be exposed to intervention attacks called 'Man in the middle', which are frequently used in such networks. Cyber security experts recommend using VPN for all transactions with your credit card or password via free Wi-Fi hotspot.
You should definitely use VPN when transactions such as online banking or e-commerce shopping are mandatory.
If employees in the business environment need access to company resources, it is recommended to use VPN again.
Notice whether the sites you enter have SSL protocol.
Take steps to prevent your device from automatically connecting to free Wi-Fi hotspots.
Norton published a Wi-Fi Wirsk Report as a result of a research in 2016. According to this report, it was determined that 22% of users who benefit from public networks use banking, 56% enter social media accounts, 58% use e-mail accounts, 38% share videos and photos. Cyber security experts explain precisely that you do not use your personal and sensitive data on such networks.
Hotspot Shield
Hotspot Shield, which is a VPN software that can work in all current operating systems, is a simple software and provides effective protection. If you use this software, another layer of security is added to the device you are connecting to the network. In this way, free Wi-Fi hotspots you use will be secured. Hotspot Shield encrypts all the connections made by the users via their own servers and sends them back to the user. Thus, hackers on the network you are connected to cannot see your information and movements.
Hotspot Shield does not only protect your data against hackers in the public domain. If you use it in your home network, it takes certain precautions and prevents intruders from disturbing you. Hotspot Shield creates a unique virtual network service. In this way, it removes the filters on your network connection. In short, you can access sites that are publicly accessible and banned by using Hotspot Shield.,
Wi-Fi Hotspot
Although hotspot and Wi-Fi are used synonymously, both concepts have different meanings. For example, if we say door lock for Hotspot, we can look at Wi-Fi with the key that unlocks that lock. Hotpsot is called network connections provided under the wireless protocol. Wi-Fi is the connection technology that allows us to access these ports. The concept of hotspot can appear not only on computers, but also on tablets and smartphones. With the hotspot in these menus, you can share the network you use with other devices. So you can create a hotspot port yourself.
Hotspot Car
You can turn your mobile phone into a network connection provider where other devices can connect, when needed. This feature, called a personal access point, is also referred to as a mobile hotspot. In short, it is a combination of software, hardware and network data service that allows you to use your smartphone as a network connection provider. Using a mobile hotspot, you can provide a network connection up to 9 meters to devices that can be connected to the internet, such as computers, tablets, phones, game consoles. In this way, you can also use your phone as a Wi-Fi adapter.
Mobile hotspots support 3G and 4G. You can also use USB devices to take advantage of the mobile hotspot. So you can easily create your network connection from iPhone, iPad and other mobile devices. With your phone's mobile hotspot feature, you can connect multiple devices to the internet. It works more easily than USB devices and does not need any additional software.
Mobile hotspot feature can save lives for people who do not have a specific working environment and are constantly on the move. Moreover, thanks to LTE networks, the connection speed of mobile hotspots is much higher than the connection speed of the home internet.