Secure Internet Surfing on Untrusted Wireless Network

[QueHuong]

There is a Mom and Pop's coffee shop near here that I often visit. They recently started to offer free wireless internet for their customers. I've been using their service, but I don't dare to log into my email, view my credit card bill, or otherwise send private info using their wireless. My reasons include that they may not be an expert on securing a wireless network, fear that either they or one of their customers could be using a network sniffer, etc.

So my question is, what can I do to minimize the risk that someone is intercepting the data coming to and from my computer and the website I'm visiting? Can I use one of those anonymous surfing programs? Are there programs to encrypt data transfer?

 

[n0cmonkey]

Use an SSL proxy. Basically though, if you're using SSL sites, make sure the certificate is valid and you should be ok.

 

[QueHuong]

Do you have recommendations?

 

[n0cmonkey]

Originally posted by: QueHuong
Do you have recommendations?

Yes, make sure the SSL certs are valid and appropriate.

 

[thirdlegstump]

I'd also make sure that the SSL certs are valid and appropriate as well.

 

[SaigonK]

SSL to your appropriate sites should be just fine, dont sweat it out unless you plan to send clear text credit card info over their connection.

 

[QueHuong]

But what about logging into emails that don't offer SSL?

 

[Kaido]

I've seen a product at work called GhostSurf. Here's a link:

http://www.tenebril.com/products/ghostsurf/

Might do the trick for you.

 

[err]

if you're like me and have a server on the internet, or have a box at home that you can remote desktop into ... I would say to go that route as the RDP session is encrypted. You can also customize the RDP session to use the strongest encryption.

Yes I wouldn;t want to login into something without SSL