How do I know if a Wi-Fi hotspot( in starbucks, etc) is secure (so that no one can see my comp)?

Question

I am about to buy a Macbook and want to use it in wi-fi hotspots, of which I don't know much about, but recently found out that if you connect to a wi-fi hotspot (panera bread, startbucks, etc), then others connected could potentially be able to see your computer and what you are doing on your computer! Is this true? Are the wi-fi hotspots so unsecure that others using it could easily hack into your computer? If this is true, Why then do people use these hotspots at all?! How can I use the internet at a wi-fi hotspot with complete security? Is it more secure just to use my cable internet that I plug in from home?

Answer 1

They are not secure, but I think that's what firewalls are for. At home I use a wireless conection for my laptop, it has security encryption.

Answer 2

Since you said you are not entirely familiar with hot-spots and wireless access, I'll try to make this simple.

When you are using a wireless hot-spot, you are using a network with no encryption, otherwise known as an "open" network.

The reason it is an open network is because adding encryption would make people have to know a specific password to gain access to the Internet in that given area.

If you were watching the 60 minutes edition talking about wireless security, then you know it is true that a network without encryption can be POTENTIALLY dangerous, although this is not always the case.

When you are on this open network, your computer sends and receives "packets" of Internet to the access point at Starbucks. People use a technique (using free downloadable programs) called 'packet sniffing' to pick up your packets, and view the information once they have decrypted it.

The reason people continue to use Wi-Fi hotspots is because they are very convenient. My recommendation would be to avoid making credit card purchases from a public hotspot. Keep your browsing to a casual level, and if you're worried about someone seeing your information, do your most important work at home or at the office.

I would say it's rare to find a public hotspot with complete 100% security, and if the work on your computer is very sensitive, use your home computer. If you want to check out the local news or send a few casual e-mails, wireless hotspots are wonderful things.

PS: Viewing your information over an open network isn't exactly easy. It takes time, effort, and patience. This isn't an attack a 5th grader to do, it's a little complicated.

Answer 3

If the hotspot requires an encryption key to work it is secure as all your packets would be seen as garbage and nobody can talk to your machine without the key. If it does not require a key, it is open. Anybody with a wireless machine can try to connect to your machine, although it's firewall should protect you. Without actually connecting, however, they would then be able to scan the connection and read every transaction, including user names, emails, and even clear text passwords. A secure wireless or direct LAN cable connected line is always more secure.

Answer 4

It doesn't have anything to do with the network being secure, that's only for when you don't want unauthorized persons on your network. You only need to worry about securing access to your computer. That's as easy as setting a secure password for your user account, and an additional step is to not use an admin account for your everyday usage.

Answer 5

it is WAY more secure to just use your cable from home yes, but.
really people can''t easily see anything. They may very well be able to see any shared folders you have available, so you can start by turning those features off.
make sure you have a firewall on, and you should be okay.