Improve Wifi Security When Using Public Hotspot???

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dealmaker

join:2002-05-02
San Francisco, CA

Improve Wifi Security When Using Public Hotspot???

Hi,
I enabled all security options available (includes no broadcast ssid, WEP, MAC filtering) at home with my wireless router. But when I go out and use a public hotspot, none of the security features are turned on in those public hotspot routers because it is the only way to allow any strangers to use those routers.

So I worry about the security when using public hotspots because I am basically sending data in clear text. I am using a software firewall which doesn't protect my data once it's out of my laptop. I worry that someone can easily sniff my connections with sniffing tools available online, and the owner of the hotspot may be using his router to collect and monitor data sent from people like me and use the data illegally.

So, I am looking for a way to encrypt my connections in public hotspots that have no security options. VPN is useless in this case because I am not connecting into a specific site like corporate environment. Most of the sites online do not support VPN for sure.

Thank you for your help and comments.

permalink · 2003-08-14 13:12:47 · Print ·

jansson_mark
Markus Jansson
Premium
join:2001-08-05
Finland

Some tips

said by dealmaker :
I worry that someone can easily sniff my connections with sniffing tools available online, and the owner of the hotspot may be using his router to collect and monitor data sent from people like me and use the data illegally.

And you are absolutely right about it. Its not only possible but very easy.

quote:
So, I am looking for a way to encrypt my connections in public hotspots that have no security options.

Well, how about using »https://www.megaproxy.com/_secure/ or »www.the-cloak.com/anonymous-surf···ome.html that uses SSL/TLS to encrypt the traffic (they are both free). If you want to pay for it, then I suggest using »www.anonymizer.com/surfing/index.shtml

Otherwise, use free encrypted emails like »https://www.ziplip.com or »https://www.hushmail.com to encrypt atleast your connections to your email.

Hope this helps

--
My computer security & privacy related homepage »www.markusjansson.net

permalink · 2003-08-14 13:55:20 · Print ·

JTRockville
Data Ho
Premium,MVM
join:2002-01-28
Rockville, MD
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Re: Some tips

Great tips, jansson_mark

!

Until yesterday, I'd never used a hotspot. I read about a Free WiFi Play Day on Saturday, August 23rd and though it was an excellent opportunity to learn. (I was right

)

I headed out Friday evening to purchase a wireless network adaptor, and figured that was the only preparation I needed.

FORTUNATELY BEFORE I LEFT

I realized, that once I undocked, I was no longer behind my hardware wall. A buddy happened to be online, and linked me to the free version of ZA. I installed it, realizing that it may not be the absolute best or most complete solution, but it was 3am, and there was no way I was going to pass up this opportunity.

(Everything worked out fine, afaik I never caught anything evil.)

So today, iso a better way, I searched the security forum for "hotspot".

As I expected, I found an answer.

Thanks!

permalink · 2003-08-24 16:07:13 · Print ·

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