Security when using BT's Wi-Fi hotspots

To help make sure you receive a safe and reliable service, BT encrypts your account details when you log-in (for both BT Openzone and BT FON).

To keep your data as secure as possible it's also important to keep your operating system security patches up to date. For example, you should regularly visit Microsoft's Windows update website or the software update section of Apple's website. And for extra security, we would recommend that you use strong Firewall and Antivirus software and keep it regularly updated.

By their very nature, open public Wi-Fi networks operate without wireless encryption enabled in order for all users to be able to access them as a public service. This means while you're using open public networks, there's a potential risk information could be intercepted if an application or service (e.g. website) does not secure its own data in transit as it passes from the device (e.g. laptop, Wi-Fi enabled phone or a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA)) to the open public Wi-Fi hotspot.

Because of this potential risk if you use public Wi-Fi hotspots to access email and other sensitive unencrypted information you're advised to implement an additional layer of security such as a VPN (Virtual Private Network).

VPNs work by encrypting all of your data to make it virtually impossible to intercept. Most large companies use VPN solutions to protect their data as it passes over public Wi-Fi networks.

BT now offers free Cisco VPN software for personal use to give you extra security when using Wi-Fi hotspots.

More information about Wi-Fi security for BT Home Hubs (BT FON)
More about security for individuals
More about security for organisations