Samsung Galaxy S8+ mobile hotspot to laptop security query

[Frances100]

Hi. I'm in the UK.
I use a Samsung Galaxy S8+ (android version 9 and up to date on updates)
I rely on using the phone as a mobile hotspot to my laptop (no wifi here)
The laptop is approx 8 years old, and purchased as used. I have to send sensitive documents to my laptop, and I'm concerned about security.

The phone's mobile hotspot settings has a password in place, but I worry that neighbours could see stuff here.
Being an older very non-tech person, could someone help please?

Thank you

 

[B. Diddy]

As long as the hotspot password isn't easy to guess, you're safe -- it's the same as having a good password for a home wi-fi system, since it uses the same kind of security protocol.

 

[Frances100]

As long as the hotspot password isn't easy to guess, you're safe -- it's the same as having a good password for a home wi-fi system, since it uses the same kind of security protocol.

Thank you so much. The password within the hotspot settings is 18 characters long, and a mix of letters, symbols and numbers, so hopefully not easy to hack.
Is there anything I can do with the laptop to increase security too please, or is that not needed then?

 

[B. Diddy]

Assuming you have a Windows laptop, then just make sure Windows Defender is on and its security database is being updated regularly in Windows Update. Also make sure the firewall is on in Windows Security. You can always install a 3rd party antivirus like Norton, but most comparisons I've read rate Windows Defender pretty highly these days.

If you want to be even more secure, you could use a VPN, but I don't think that's absolutely necessary (and it may also slow your data speeds).

 

[Kizzy Catwoman]

You can also use the your phone app on windows to help connect your phone to the laptop to access files on your phone. But I agree with B. Diddy that Windows defender is the best anti malware to use. I never recommend Norton or McAfee as they allow viruses onto your laptop when the subscription runs out to force you to buy again. An excellent free antivirus is Avast, but really Windows defender is all I have used for years and I have never had a virus on my PC.