A lot of people use WiFi networks, even those unsecured WiFi networks in coffee shops, airports and bars.  It’s a matter of convenience, and a sign of the times–we constantly need to be connected to the internet.  But because of this growing need, users often disregard the risks of connecting to public WiFi networks, such as contracting malware or being at risk for hacker attacks.

Norton recently released the Norton Hotspot Privacy, a new service that helps protect consumers using public Wi-Fi connections for US and UK users.  It works on both Macs and PCs.  Norton Hotspot Privacy automatically creates a private connection – or a virtual private network – allowing users to control what they share online, no matter where they connect to the Internet.

The Norton Hotspot Privacy enables users to become ‘invisible’ on the network and also encrypts their username, password and other confidential information they may be entering online. Consumers can sign into the Norton Hotspot Privacy Web portal, download the client and the VPN will automatically configure to create a private connection.

“Increasingly, public Wi-Fi is a part of everyday life, providing people with a convenient way to connect on the go,” said Dave Cole, vice president, product management, Consumer Business Unit, Symantec Corporation. “With Norton Hotspot Privacy, consumers are able to take advantage of the convenience of public Wi-Fi, with the confidence of knowing their information is secure and their online activities remain private.”

Aside from the Norton Hotspot Privacy tool, there are other security tools available that people can use.  Here’s a few noteworthy services for WiFi network protection.

Hotspot Shield

This security tool is available in both free and paid versions.  The free version is laced with ads but offers the ability to secure your connection by making all sites https.  Users’ IP remains hidden and undetected, sites aren’t going to be blocked, and it detects and blocks known malware sites.  The paid version has more features aside from the above, such as detecting malware, infected, phishing and spam sites, and ad-free browsing.

WiFi Guardian

WiFi Guardian is a public WiFi security software that encrypts internet traffic so no sensitive information will be leaked plus it uses secured servers to facilitate browser activities.  Another great feature is that when you’re travelling outside the US or UK to countries where your favorite site is blocked, WiFi Guardian changes your IP to make it appear as if you are in your originating country.

But aside from using tools to protect your laptop from prying eyes, you can also do something to protect yourself when using public WiFi connections.  You have to turn off your laptop’s sharing feature so no one can access it, make sure you have an active firewall, use SSL whenever possible, use a virtual private network, and turn off your WiFi when you do not need an internet connection.