Fusion Hotspot - Hotspot Security Information

At Fusion Connex we know your computing security is important to you. We have taken the steps to provide a safe yet easy network for you to use. Here are some of the steps we have taken to help keep you secure:

Client Station Isolation: We configure our networks to prevent devices from communication with you computer. This helps prevent data theft and malicous users from connecting to your computer and deleting or manipulating your files.

Port Based Filters: We use filtering on our network to prevent communications on specific TCP/IP ports which could pose a security risk to your computer. We commonly block ports associated with viruses and mass mailing worms as well as ports used to communicate computer names and network information.

SSL Encrypted Pages: All information transmitted via a web page is sent to our servers over a SSL encrypted web page. This prevents anyone from reading your login or other personnal information you may send via our web pages.

However, this is a public wireless network and there are risks associated with using such a network. Please read the following disclaimer for more information.

Fusion ConneX provides public access to the Internet. There is potentially serious security issues with any computer connected to the Internet without 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 reformatting of drives. It is recommended that the user use either a personal firewall or Virtual Private Network systems to protect this information. Fusion ConneX 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.

FUSION CONNEX DISCLAIMS ANY LIABILITY FOR UNAUTHORIZED THIRD-PARTY SECURITY BREACHES OR THE RESULTS THEREOF. FUSION CONNEX PROVIDES ACCESS TO THE INTERNET AND THE FUSION CONNEX NETWORK ON AN “AS IS” BASIS WITH ALL THE RISKS INHERENT IN SUCH ACCESS. BY CONNECTING TO THE FUSION CONNEX NETWORK, THE USER ACKNOWLEDGES THE RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH PUBLIC ACCESS TO THE INTERNET OR DOCUMENT PRINTING AND HEREBY RELEASES AND INDEMNIFIES FUSION CONNEX 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 a wireless connection using IEEE 802.11b wireless (commonly known as WiFi), packets can be “sniffed” by someone on the wireless network with the appropriate software. This allows the hacker to see ever piece of information that the user sends across the network. There are two precautions that you can use to protest your information.

Do not send sensitive information including passwords, credit card or other sensitive information using a non-encrypted wireless connection.

Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN). VPN’s encrypt all of the information sent by the user, so the information is useless to the hacker.

As technological advances occur Fusion ConneX will endeavor to implement such advances (however, you should continue to proactively protect yourself, as no internet access provider can insure the safety of your system; further, Fusion ConneX disclaims any obligation to update technology at any particular time or at all even if the new technology becomes available) will soon be available on many of the 802.11b wireless systems. Fusion ConneX will upgrade to this system as soon as feasible. However, in order to benefit from many technology advances (including IEEE 802.1X) the user must have 802.1X client software available as well. This capability is installed, for example on Microsoft’s new XP operating system. Fusion ConneX does not provide client software.

NetBIOS:
One of the most dangerous problems with Internet access is NetBIOS access. This is a serious security hole that can enable third parties to “scan” every file on your system. NetBIOS runs on port 139. Fusion ConneX tries every effort to block this access from both outside and inside sources. But within a hotel, that provides wireless connection or non-VLAN connection, from which you may be using the Fusion ConneX access, NetBIOS 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. NetBIOS is required for certain useful things such as file sharing and network printing, but you can take advantage of those features without opening a security hole. There are several things that you can do to protect yourself against this attack.

Turn off file sharing. If you have file sharing turned on, then other people on the network can view the files on your computer.

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.

Disable NetBIOS enabled programs. There are some programs that enable NetBIOS that are not required for common use on the internet. There are several sites such as “Test my Shields” at http://grc/com/x/e.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 the time. Fusion ConneX recommends that you consult with your company's 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 Fusion ConneX, but also on any internet system such as 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 INCURR, INCLUDING FOR SPECIAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OR LOST PROFITS (WHETHER FORESEEABLE OR NOT) BY RELYING ON THE ADVICE HEREIN.