Question about Wi-Fi Security

[cybermom]

I'm going to be away from home for a while this summer and I'm using my laptop. To access the internet I'm using an unsecured network that I'm getting at the house I'm staying at (does not belong to the home/just available out there so I'm using it)..my other options are the free conection at Starbucks, and I may also sign up for a month of McDonalds (the kids can play at the playplace while I work).

My question: When I log into these unsecured networks it always gives a warning that what I'm doing may be seen by other's. What specifically can they see? What are the risks here? Does this mean I should not log into my financial institution because they can see my password? What if it's a secure website (as most of the ones that take sensitive info are)? What about my paypal account (which has my bank and charge info)?

So someone tell me-who really knows please- what risks am I taking? So many people are so paranoid about using any info over the web. They won't even do their banking on their own computer. I've been doing my banking and other transactions for years without problems. But never w/Wi-Fi that wasn't my own secured network. I'd like to hear the true risks-are they any greater than anything else?

Thank you in advance!

 

[druvans]

To start with - Using someone else network is a federal crime and recently once guy got prosecuted for it. IF they finds out - it is a big thing - since all the big players like AT&T and Verizon are there.

When you use unsecured network, normal case nothing should go wrong, but it is better not use it, as there are some software which can trace all the traffic on the network, if the network was setup by a malicious entity, they can see all your traffic/data.

 

[DanC]

To start with - Using someone else network is a federal crime and recently once guy got prosecuted for it. IF they finds out - it is a big thing - since all the big players like AT&T and Verizon are there.

When you use unsecured network, normal case nothing should go wrong, but it is better not use it, as there are some software which can trace all the traffic on the network, if the network was setup by a malicious entity, they can see all your traffic/data.

Do you mean to tell me that if I log on to the 'net through my neighbor's wireless router I'll have to sit on the bench with the motherrapers, fatherstabbers and fatherrapers? (with apologies to Arlo Guthrie)

 

[druvans]

Do you mean to tell me that if I log on to the 'net through my neighbor's wireless router I'll have to sit on the bench with the motherrapers, fatherstabbers and fatherrapers? (with apologies to Arlo Guthrie)

Yes. Not sure how they verify/ evidence this stuff

 

[DanC]

Probably the same bunch who check your mattress and pillow for that little tag.

So, if the neighbor doesn't secure his network, does he have any liability in this?

The way I see it, if he's paying the ISP for access, and then he leaves it lying around on the street for someone else to use, then the ISP doesn't have a claim. They're being paid for what they're providing.

 

[jesiah]

yup it's considering "stealing, unethical, and illegal"

in a recent time, or was it la times? article

and i have to say that i agree. you give a weak argument, in trying to justify taking someone else's wireless that they pay for, granted the person who is paying for it, is ignorant to the fact that people are leeching off him...

a risk you take when you get on someone else's wireless is that they can go through your computer, if you are sharing anything through the network and vice versa

and sure people can hack into your computer, if they happen to know what they're doing/see when you go onto certain websites...there's always a risk

 

[DanC]

It was NOT an argument to justify using a neighbors internet access, it was an attempt to apply a bit of logic to an absurd situation.

This would be analogous to my buying a case of soft drinks and leaving them in a bucket of ice on the sidewalk in front of my house, and the Coca Cola company prosecuting any passer-by who helped themselves. I bought the product, and I left them accessible to the public. The loss is mine.

 

[druvans]

It was NOT an argument to justify using a neighbors internet access, it was an attempt to apply a bit of logic to an absurd situation.

This would be analogous to my buying a case of soft drinks and leaving them in a bucket of ice on the sidewalk in front of my house, and the Coca Cola company prosecuting any passer-by who helped themselves. I bought the product, and I left them accessible to the public. The loss is mine.

If they had a way they will prosecute you and all those who helped themselves. Fortunately the lawyers havent figured out that yet.

 

[DanC]

It's past time for the next revolution.

 

[Kage_]

My question: When I log into these unsecured networks it always gives a warning that what I'm doing may be seen by other's. What specifically can they see? What are the risks here? Does this mean I should not log into my financial institution because they can see my password? What if it's a secure website (as most of the ones that take sensitive info are)? What about my paypal account (which has my bank and charge info)?

So someone tell me-who really knows please- what risks am I taking? So many people are so paranoid about using any info over the web. They won't even do their banking on their own computer. I've been doing my banking and other transactions for years without problems. But never w/Wi-Fi that wasn't my own secured network. I'd like to hear the true risks-are they any greater than anything else?

Thank you in advance!

Hi Cyber Mom,

I'm glad you are taking the time to consider the security when using unsecured wireless networks. Yes there are risks when using unsecured WiFi networks since the data that is passing between your laptop and the access point is not encrypted, meaning anyone with the proper software can look at the data you are sending and receiving. How ever there are ways to secure your data that is flowing across the network.

First, when possible, use secure http connections. The connections start with https on the address bar. When using this type of connection to a web server or email server all of the data is encrypted. The traffic going to the access point is still unencrypted, but if someone looks at the data all they will see is junk.

Next, make sure you have a good firewall installed on your laptop. I don't trust the Windows firewall myself. I personally use the free version of ZoneAlarm. It's easy to install and to use. It also keeps logs if you care to look at them. The firewall will keep people from connecting to your laptop and only allow the applications to connect to the internet that you allow.

The best level of security when using open WiFi access points is to access a VPN (Virtual Private Network) server. When connected to a VPN all of the traffic flowing across the network is encrypted. It doesn't matter what application you are using and what protocol it's using all of the data is encrypted.

So at a min, install a good software firewall, second use https connections when ever possible and lastly setup a VPN connection. If you have a techie friend that is local he/she may be able to help you out with the VPN.

Kage_

 

[druvans]

whatever software or hardware you use - there are plenty of smart people out there, they can crack anything. People have proved it a lot of times, absence of data does not mean it cant/wont be done.

If possible try to use known sources, and stay away from unknown sources, would be my 2 cents.

 

[cybermom]

Thanks Kage! That was a big help.

As for the other discussion...doesn't it make sense that if they cared so much routers would already come secure and paying the extra money to make sure yours is wouldn't just be optional? The cable company makes sure your cable service is set up secure enough, and so does the phone company. When I purchased my home router and had the geek squad secure it they charged around $50. They told me if the biggest issue was if too many people were latched on it might slow my internet. They didn't even mention any security threats to my personal information. BTW- I'm only here for 5 weeks, I most definitely wouldn't consider it as a long term solution! There's no phone, there's no TV. And, I have my 2 little boys with me. It's really been a lifesaver!