G DATA Software AG: Antivirus, Virenschutz, Virenscanner, Internet Security

One of the most successful scams involves data thieves setting up their own internet access points at the exhibition centre, in cafes or at airports. Users who fall for this free offer are walking straight into the cyber-criminals' trap. They can easily intercept and record the unencrypted data traffic.

The technical outlay for data hunters is small. The simple process involves impersonating a free WLAN hotspot by using a UMTS card, a standard notebook with an integrated WLAN card and an appropriate computer program (Snarfer software). The perpetrators can use a name of their choice for the hotspot and tend to pose as well-known providers or trade show exhibitors.

"The trade in stolen data is an extremely profitable business for cyber-criminals. The higher the quality of the data captured, the greater the profit the perpetrators can get when they sell it," says Eddy Willems, G Data Security Evangelist. "High tech events such as Infosecurity in London are obviously profitable business trips for data thieves. Almost every attendee uses the mobile Internet, and sometimes there is a great deal of valuable company data stored on the devices they bring with them."

However, business travellers are not the only lucrative targets for data thieves. According to the security experts, frequent surfers who are highly mobile are usually of interest to attackers. "Hardly any other community uses the mobile internet as intensively as users of Facebook, Twitter etc” says Willems. “Power bloggers often post status updates or current photos several times per day. In this regard, free hotspots are very popular with young users on a tight budget. However, here again I can only advise people against using unfamiliar WLANs. Account access data can quickly fall into the wrong hands and victims risk potentially losing their entire online identity."

Three security tips for Infosecurity visitors:

1. Regard public WLANs as a source of risk
Data thieves can pose as WLAN hotspots for a minimal outlay. They can choose whatever name they want. Data transferred without encryption can be easily recorded by the perpetrators.
Tips from the experts: you are better off using a secure VPN tunnel or a UMTS connection. This makes it much harder to record data. Bloggers should use a secure HTTPS connection when connecting to a server. With mobile devices such as tablet PCs, notebooks or smartphones, expo visitors should also deactivate their Bluetooth to prevent targeted access.

2. Encrypt critical data on mobile devices
Losing a laptop is painful enough. If private or commercial data falls into the wrong hands, the consequences can be catastrophic.
Tips from the experts: In general, users should use an effective software package to encrypt all critical data. This also applies to data on USB sticks and hard drives. The data then remains protected and inaccessible even if the device is lost or is subject to a targeted attack. 

3. Run a backup before you set out
Effective data protection begins before the journey starts, by backing up all critical data. If a device is lost despite taking every precaution, users can install the backed-up data and files on a new device without too much effort.

Tips from the experts: Using an effective security solution to protect your mobile office is essential. Users should also keep their system fully up-to-date and immediately install program updates and security patches.