Is it safe to access sensitive information (like bank info) over an unsecured wireless network?

Answer 1

Yes, it is reasonably safe, though not the safest.
Banks use SSL-encryption, a type of encryption that runs from the servers of the bank all the way to your computer. Thus, your connection to the bank will be encrypted using SSL-encryption even though your normal network traffic isn't.
You're still vulnerable to a couple of things, though. First off, people can see you're going to your bank's site, and even though they can't see what you're doing on there, this information being exposed can lead you to being targetted. This is not very likely, though, not many hackers randomly gather wireless data to see who does their banking online. There's better ways of doing that, such as calling and asking.
Secondly, there's something called a man-in-the-middle attack, for which the technical term is DNS cache poisoning. This means all the traffic between you and the wireless router will be routed via the hacker's computer, who can setup bogus SSL encryption to make you believe you are safe. Here's the thing, though, they can't do this perfectly, and you will get a security warning popup saying the SSL certificate isn't valid. If you get this popup, NEVER ACCEPT THE CERTIFICATE, or your information may be at risk.

So in short, yes, it is safe, but it's even better if you encrypt your wireless network. Most likely, nothing will happen, but it never hurts to add another layer of security.

Answer 2

No. These two above me are correct and I will explain why.
It would take someone 20 minutes to research the internet and perform a man in the middle attack on you, seeing everything you do, including what you typed in yahoo messenger, and passwords for accounts and web sites.
You could be hacked by anyone that can access the internet and can read, the amount of info out there on the web is scary!

Answer 3

it truly is not any more suitable risky than on a secured community. on the spot encryption is a shaggy dog tale, continuously has been. there is not any efficient protection for consumer-friendly on the spot. the hazards with on-line banking and whatnot lie contained in the way the servers deal with the recommendations, and how that the internet sites authenticate, no longer the relationship itself. for this reason regardless of massive protection issues, we've nonetheless no longer seen any genuine SSL exploitation outside of labs.

Answer 4

Only if you want every hacker and goofball on the planet to see it.

Answer 5

no
you are asking for big trouble

Answer 6

The answer is no.