ThinkPad X200 Tablet Save Extra 5%
Community Newsletter: Q&A: What are the dos and don'ts for using public Wi-Fi?
- 7/24/08 12:04 AM
reading keystrokes?
by the_wme - 8/1/08 2:13 PM In reply to: Your computer is not safe on the wi-fi by manwantokhow would a hacker read my keystrokes without having a keylogger on my system? Keystrokes are not submitted over network.
Maybe you only meant characters entered in a web browser or other networked program (e.g. instant messenger)? Those characters could indeed be sniffed if the network connection is not secure. But those are not keystrokes, they're characters. And if the program is using SSL, as https does, then they should be encrypted before leaving your computer.
Where are you getting your information?
Perception of Security
by XSYLUS - 6/28/08 1:07 AM In reply to: What are the dos and don'ts for using public Wi-Fi? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Margaret, I fully understand your concerns about Wi-Fi security, getting viruses or having someone access your computer and rummage through your files is a daunting concept. I don't want to scare you but realistically you aren't any safer on your home connection than any other wireless connection. The majority of wireless routers have some built-in firewall and security features most of which are turned on by default. With public hotspots I would expect that most of those are highly secure. The real issue however isn't so much the router security but the security measures in place on your personal computer.
My recommendation is to ALWAYS have anti-virus, anti-spyware, ad-blocking, and a firewall running on your computer. Personally I use AVG 8.0 total internet security which covers virtually everything. You can find out more at http://www.grisoft.com/
The real trick to keeping your computer from being vulnerable besides having the above mentioned software installed is to be careful what websites you visit and what programs or files you download. Also be careful about opening emails that you aren't sure about as they could install programs without your knowledge. Again if you have internet security software like AVG running anything that finds it's way into your system will be caught almost immediately.
It's also a good idea to clear your cookies from time to time as those can leave your computer more vulnerable. To do this open the Start menu, and open the Control Panel, then select Internet Options. In the middle of the screen that appears are two buttons, "Delete Cookies" and "Delete Files." It's a good idea to click both of those at least once a week.
Just remember that no matter where you connect to the internet it's the same internet and your best line of defense is the security software installed on your own computer.
I hope this helps. Best of luck and have a great journey!
VPN Virtual Private Network.
by Transparency - 6/28/08 1:53 AM In reply to: What are the dos and don'ts for using public Wi-Fi? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Allows you to send all encrypted data through the public pipes and to a secure site that then forwards data both ways with the normal wired security.
I am not an advertiser but I have heard that a product called GO TO MY PC is a similar idea that lets you do the communications through your computer.
VPN is the best
by crabby1 - 7/19/08 6:41 AM In reply to: VPN Virtual Private Network. by TransparencyAnchorFree's Hotspot Shield (anchorfree.com) is a free download that employs VPN technology to prevent others from viewing email, instant messages or credit-card information. The ad-supported service works with Windows and Mac computers. They allow 3GB bandwidth in a rolling 30 day period, enough for most casual users. Additional bandwidth may be purchased.
anchor free
by sonoffar - 7/19/08 10:13 AM In reply to: VPN is the best by crabby1The rule says, "Do not post advertisements". Yet on each reply page there is the same basic ad for A.F.
So are we faced with a mob of Fan-boys, the same person using a new reg. for each post, or the folk who are trying to selling this bit of Ad-ware junk?
At "3G free", and all the ads you can stand, this product isn't free, or honest.
Public Wi Fi - Hot spots
by BABUHILLARY - 7/19/08 11:25 PM In reply to: VPN Virtual Private Network. by TransparencyDear Freinds,
We all are aware of the possible threats which no one can overcome/avoid.It's like an airplane crash landing on my head.My say is,when we enjoy a modern convenience there can be good and bad.Decide whether it help us a lot/more people/more job is done.If answer is YES -proceed- do not look back.From day one there were people pullings legs with/without reasons and there was followers too.
If you think something is bad, do not do that - the only soultion to keep ourself happy.If we are worried and still wanted to use hotspots - keep 2 E-mail id and two laptops- one for hotspot use only.
Babu Hillary
Have a Software Firewall installed on your computer
by vishalkalani - 6/28/08 4:01 AM In reply to: What are the dos and don'ts for using public Wi-Fi? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Your concern is a valid one .Here are a couple of things I could think of:
1. Have a software firewall installed on your computer:
A firewall would prevent a hackaer or any body trying to access your computer unauthorisedly ,from connecting to your computer.But make sure that you have the firewall properly configured.
Symantec Network access control /Symantec end point protection could help you .
2. Have a good Antivirus :
Make sure you have a good anti-virus insatlled ,and running ,and also it should be able to update by itself .
3. Try for an encrypted connection:
If possible ,ensure that the wireless network you connect to is WEP ,or WPA protected.This is encryption ,in simple terms,and would make sure that anybody wouldf not be able to connect to your network ,and hack ,unless they have the WEP ,or WPA encryption key.
I hope this would help you .
Use a Firewall...
by dotnetnot - 6/28/08 4:25 AM In reply to: What are the dos and don'ts for using public Wi-Fi? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Assuming that you are asking this question in terms of securing your system and not the actual wireless communication security, you should be using a good firewall. Actually you should be using a good firewall anyway, regardless of whether you are connecting to the net wirelessly or otherwise.
There are plenty of firewalls around including the one that comes along with Windows XP and the one with Vista, however, I would recommend using something like ZoneAlarm to completely secure your system from intrusion.
Hope this helps...
Cheers
Wi-Fi help
by BOSOX75 - 6/28/08 4:40 AM In reply to: What are the dos and don'ts for using public Wi-Fi? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Well I am far from being an expert in Wi-Fi but I am very knowledgeably in networking. What I have done for some of my friends is tell them to use a good Internet Security software. I happen to like Norton and Kasporski sp? I find them to be the best on the market today for the end user and for the professionals. Other than that make sure you have all your data backed up just in case. Nothing is perfect out there. Hope this helps.
Laptop Safety On Trip
by bobhist - 6/28/08 4:55 AM In reply to: What are the dos and don'ts for using public Wi-Fi? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
I'll leave the tech advice to others, but I can offer one safe clue. My daughter recently drove from Myrtle Beach, S.C., to Butte, MT, a distance of 2,500 miles in five days, using her laptop along the way. My advice to her was to stay away from the more public hotspots such as IT cafés, Starbucks, fast food places, motels, and etc. Instead, I advised her to find a local library in the towns, most of which have wi-fi access, and most are open all day and part of the evenings. Libraries seldom have wi-fi lurkers, and their wi-fi systems are much more secure than those in other public places. She took my advice, used the libraries, and had no problems.
WiFi for the Private Eye (Yours!)
by TheDoomSong - 6/28/08 6:15 AM In reply to: What are the dos and don'ts for using public Wi-Fi? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
First and foremost, get a screen security device. The commercial on an airplane with one computer user in the middle seat and two guys playing eyeball tennis with his screen is dead-on accurate. People really do that, and whether they're bored, nosy or trying to snitch a few crucial items off your screen doesn't matter- you don't want an audience! Privacy screens are cheap and effective - 2 plusses in one item. Take your laptop with you to try them on in the store.
Second, I highly recommend Avast or AVG's full security program. Best way to do that is (Shameless plug, but I don't work for 'em) use cnet and download a free trial version of the "professional" AVG or Avast software. They're good for long enough to cover you on your trip, and the professional version of either offers excellent protection without slowdown.
Third (and this is the big one): Password-protect your system! You would not leave your front door wide open, so make sure to put a password on your Windows AND on any WiFi connection you set up. Keep it the same (a coffee-swilling hacker following you around the country is less likely than Bill Gates starring in an action movie with Jessica Alba) but change a number on the end of it every time you use a new spot.
Think of it as a Powerpoint show: This is my first WiFi point; this place had amazing coffee; this is where I watched the slimy guy stare at everyone's screens except mine because I listened to TheDoomSong and bought a privacy screen, etc.
Now enjoy your trip, safe in the knowledge that you didn't leave goopy little digital fingerprints on every coffee counter from New York to San Francisco!
Traveling after July 11th?
by Joseph Darby - 6/28/08 7:07 AM In reply to: What are the dos and don'ts for using public Wi-Fi? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
If the answer is yes take an iPhone 3G and be happier and safer. You can coordinate the iPhone with your home base PC (I assume), or Mac, with Me.com for $99 per year. And you will be able to do almost anything including having GPS in you hands.
Besides, it is much more reasonable now with AT&T's price support.
Until you have used an iPhone, you can't understand why a lot of us are leaving our laptops and Blackberry's at home, keeping in touch faster, easier and safer with the iPhone.
The maps, the "Find Me" GPS, and internet connections have worked well for me when traveling both in the US and Caribbean. The iPhone 3G is only going to multiply and simplify those benefits.
I suggest that you sign up for AT&T's expanded Wi-Fi service for $10 per month (I think), although the 3G network may be fast enough to handle your needs. Many motels, hotels and service oriented places are now running free Wi-Fi in their lobbies, even if it is charged in the room. (I have been known to park outside an Embassy suites for a few minutes to check restaurants in an unfamiliar city on my current iPhone.)
In a few months, when more of the native applications are available, your horizons may be even beyond current comprehension. It is truly one of the most amazing devices I have ever had.
Would be happy discuss this more, except on the morning of July 11th when I will be at my favorite AT&T store getting my new iPhone (brother-in-law gets my current one).
Happy Trails,
Big Red
You Were Correct: A Shameless Plug
by Meat45 - 7/19/08 6:00 AM In reply to: Traveling after July 11th? by Joseph DarbyI have a Palm 755p and I would not stand in line nor pay crazy monthly fees that you are with your precious iPhone. You pull up to some hotel to hit a hot spot and I'll just keep using my EV-DO service I pay $15 a month to use. I have a GPS (Garmin 760) so other than that you get to be seen with 2 white wires hanging out of your ears. I'm impressed. NOT!
Travel using public WiFi
by Sober0782 - 6/28/08 7:08 AM In reply to: What are the dos and don'ts for using public Wi-Fi? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
I have never had a problem using any public connection. How ever the best advice is before you leave, Udate your Virus Scanner and fire wall protection. also you can set your Wifi network to public instead of Home security wise. I just go about my regular computing from camp ground or any public connection. Many Rest stops across country now have WiFi too. Makes this RV'er a Happy Camper.
Answer for Margret
by ggicu - 6/28/08 7:43 AM In reply to: What are the dos and don'ts for using public Wi-Fi? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Tank You
| Forum legend: | |
 |
Locked thread |
 |
Moderator |
 |
CNET staff |
 |
Samsung staff |
 |
Norton Authorized Support team |
 |
AVG staff |
 |
Windows Outreach team |
 |
Dell staff |
 |
Intel staff |
