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    Wi-Fi security, privacy precautions?

    Discussion in 'Networking and Wireless' started by mrjosh, Sep 8, 2006.

  1. mrjosh

    mrjosh Notebook Enthusiast

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    Okay, I'm just full of questions today. I've been toting my new laptop around and doing work in public areas. And i've been wondering if any of you take precautions regarding security and privacy when using wi-fi in a hotspot like a coffee shop or library? What about in your home wireless network?

    My self-imposed rules (which are just based on my judgment, not on anything factual) are that I keep password-required things like e-mai, eBay, and MySpace to a minimum when I'm using a hotspot. I don't make any credit card purchases at a hotspot.
     
    mrjosh, Sep 8, 2006
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  2. qhn

    qhn Notebook User

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    doing hotspot - avg, avast, windows defender, za (all good free stuffs)
    no problem so far, knock on wood

    cheers ...
     
    qhn, Sep 8, 2006
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  3. Pitabred

    Pitabred Linux geek con rat flail!

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    Make sure that any websites you access that require passwords are using SSL encryption (the browser address bar should turn yellow, the address starts with https like https://www.example.com and there should be a little lock icon in the lower right-hand side of your browser status bar).

    Make sure you TYPE in any addresses that you want to go to that require personal details. Don't click on a link like this one to www.ebay.com ;) That may take you to disney, but it could take you to a page that just looked like ebay and stole your password/username.

    The rest of your ideas are good. Don't do credit cards. I've seen people that will pretend to be the AP like at a place like Starbucks, and will get your details because you connect to them rather than to the Starbucks AP. always be aware of which wireless AP you're connected to. Don't do anything sensitive on one that you're not sure about who's running it.
     
    Pitabred, Sep 8, 2006
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