Exactly how safe are HotSpots??

2 questions.......

I just got a laptop and Im eager to use hotspots, but exactly how safe are they? (security, hacking, etc.).

ALSO... while at home, I detect several 'unprotected' networks, is it okay to log onto those networks and surf the web? Is there a risk a hacker can steal info doing that (using someones' network)? What about if you DO have a protected network, can a hacker STILL hack into your network? And from how far?

 

How safe it is would pretty much depend on how secure the hotspot has been made by whoever owns it. As far as logging on to the unprotected networks you're detecting, opinions vary but I pretty much view that as stealing. But that's just me. As far as people hacking into your network, I suppose anything is possible if the hacker is willing to work hard enough at it. But I don't really see someone using up the effort it would take to crack the encryption on someone's home wireless connection. Not enough value in it for them to waste their time, unless they're really, really bored or really, really determined.

 

im talking about starbucks with tmobile's hotspot service

 

It's pretty safe but nothing is 100% safe. If someone wants to hack, yes, it's possible but I believe Tmobile's network at SBUX is encrypted and they do take care to update their firewall. I had used them when they first had a trial roll out here in San Francisco and it worked well though only at 11mbps.

 

Just use a good Firewall (not the one in XP) and keep your antivirus up-to-date.