Basic question re: WiFi security

[Hooobi]

is it only the network (server, etc.) that is vulnerable or is all of my data more vulnerable as well?

I ask because I often work at coffee shops with free WiFi (no login/pw) and I try to limit activities such as banking, email, etc. because I worry that someone might be able to acquire my private info. At home I have an encrypted network and pretty much do anything on it.

I'm wondering if I'm just being paranoid because only the network is unsecure (i.e. anyone can access it) or if there's really a possibility of my data being compromised simply because I am sending it over an unsecure network...

 

[Kelemvor]

Yes your computer is vulnerable. You should have a firewall program on your laptop to try to keep people out. They can use the wireless network to backroute into your laptop just like you were connected on a normal network.

 

[Hooobi]

Dang... I was only concerned about the data I was transmitting... Apparently I need to worry about data on my laptop as well. I don't suppose Norton Systemworks 2005 is enough protection? I hate to install even more software on this dinosaur...

Any good free software firewalls?

Originally posted by: FrankyJunior
Yes your computer is vulnerable. You should have a firewall program on your laptop to try to keep people out. They can use the wireless network to backroute into your laptop just like you were connected on a normal network.

 

[JackMDS]

Norton System work provides protection for certain hardware/software failure and has very little to do with Wireless or Internet Protection.

You need to install a combo Software firewall Antivirus Antispy software to provide protection for Internet connection.

If installing Internet protection software slows down old computer, on my computers I would get rid of System Work.

Free is a nice word.

These free programs are rated high in performance among Free and No Free software.
They are small and relatively low on resources.

Link to: AntiVir Personal Edition 6.22.09.09

Link to: Microsoft - Antispy.

Link to: Keio v215 Firewall.

However, on many public open Hot spots nothing will really protect you from other people that share the connection with you. If you are using the Laptop for this purpose do not keep on it sensitive material.

General Wireless Security: Wireless Security for the Home User.

:sun:

 

[Hooobi]

Thanks for the replies guys. Very helpful!

 

[Rottie]

Originally posted by: Hooobi
Dang... I was only concerned about the data I was transmitting... Apparently I need to worry about data on my laptop as well. I don't suppose Norton Systemworks 2005 is enough protection? I hate to install even more software on this dinosaur...

Any good free software firewalls?

Originally posted by: FrankyJunior
Yes your computer is vulnerable. You should have a firewall program on your laptop to try to keep people out. They can use the wireless network to backroute into your laptop just like you were connected on a normal network.

just put free sygate personal firewall on your very old dinosaur.