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    wifi/UDP packets/security... help

    Discussion in 'Networking and Wireless' started by ekh23, Apr 30, 2006.

  1. ekh23

    ekh23 Newbie

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    Hi,

    I am sort of new to the laptop/wifi environment. I just installed a freeware Firewall program to let me know if my computer is sending info out into cyberspace, or some info is being sent to my computer when I am connected to the net using a hotspot at the local coffee shop. If my computer is sending an info packet or a packet is coming in, the firewall app informs me of this and asks if I want to permit/deny the action from happening.

    My questions are --
    While I'm using a hotspot, what other security measures should be taken to ensure my computer's info is safe from hackers (not that I have that type of important info on my harddrive, but it's always a good idea to protect my computer anyways! ;))?

    Every so often, my firewall app tells me my computer wants to send a UDP packet to some IP address. Maybe an ignorant question, but what is a UDP packet and what kind of information does it usually send? Can my computer's location and internal information be determined by such packets? And if a UDP packet is sent to my computer, should I be concerned?

    I may be overly concerned about this stuff, but it's better to be safe than sorry.

    If it seems this question fits better in another category, by all means let me know and I'll post it elsewhere....

    Thanks in advance :)

    E
     
    ekh23, Apr 30, 2006
    #1
  2. Sidicas

    Sidicas Notebook Consultant

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    You don't need UDP packets.. 99% of the time it is safe to block both incoming and outgoing.
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/User_Datagram_Protocol

    Well, if you're running a game, you'll want UDP because it could significantly decrease latency (since a confirmation: PACKET RECEIVED is not sent - Saving bandwidth!!). So when port-forwarding games such as Warcraft III.. Be sure to forward both UDP and TCP Packets :) [As the blizzard site suggests]


    Please note that if you are using an unencrypted "hotspot" access point that is available to everybody who walks their laptop near it...
    Any information that you send/receive can usually be picked up and viewed by other laptops running WiFi sniffing software. There is an exception to this and that is websites that use encryption (a little padlock appears at the bottom or in the URL bar).

    I don't suggest you log into unsecured sites through an insecured/unencrypted wireless connection. As anybody sharing that connection with you will be able to see everything you do (including your username and password) if they have the right software installed and know what they're doing.

    Most big sites such as Hotmail, Gmail, eBay, PayPal, etc. are encrypted.

    At my school, we have an unencrypted public Access point. And some of the students with Linux laptops love to spy in on what other people are reading/browsing/posting without having to be in the same room. Illegal? Probably...
    But nobody is making a fuss over it. If we complain, we'll probably lose the access point and not get a new one..
     
    Sidicas, May 2, 2006
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