question on wifi usage

[u.s.coins]

I have a lap-top windows-7 and want to use it in a waiting room that offers free wifi. would I be able to use my computer there and what do I do to connect, if it's a possibility? I need the how to spelled out so that a challenged operator like me can thoroughly understand. appreciate any help. thanks in advance.

 

[DonL]

If you have your wifi adapter switch Off then turn it On, You should see a message saying new wireless network in range, or something to that affect, on the bottom right of your screen.

Click on the icon and then click connect.

If it is open access you can connect, But you may be prompted for a Network Key, that they can give you.


Networks like that are normally not very secure.

 

[Sponsor]

 

[Recon0321]

Some establishments require you to log in with a predetermined 64/128 WEP Encryption key. Some are also moving to WPA which is more secure. If you are in a establishment that has an open network, you can connect automatically, however as Rocket Scientist stated these are unprotected networks. Although these networks are behind a firewall, you data could be compromised. Protecting your computer with a firewall intrusion program is recommended which some high end antiviruses now have.

 

[LLigetfa]

Protecting your computer with a firewall intrusion program is recommended which some high end antiviruses now have.

While a firewall can protect data residing on a laptop, it would do little to protect data that has crossed the firewall onto the open public Wi-Fi.

An open network can easily be compromised with Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) attacks. Essentially someone could be sitting out in the parking lot with a laptop, intercepting you and stealing what he can. MitM attacks can be perpetrated on secure wireless networks too, but in that case the attacker needs the security key. A VPN service is probably your best defense against MitM attacks.

 

[LLigetfa]

I work in IT and specialize in networking that includes security. A decade ago, I set out to prove to our CIO that our network at the time was not secure. We intercepted the CIO's network traffic and got his password. One thing to consider is that lots of folk will use the same password on multiple systems, so once you have it, Bob's your uncle.

 

[DonL]

While a firewall can protect data residing on a laptop, it would do little to protect data that has crossed the firewall onto the open public Wi-Fi.

An open network can easily be compromised with Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) attacks. Essentially someone could be sitting out in the parking lot with a laptop, intercepting you and stealing what he can. MitM attacks can be perpetrated on secure wireless networks too, but in that case the attacker needs the security key. A VPN service is probably your best defense against MitM attacks.

And to add, the security key is being broadcast and can be hacked.

Port blocking is a good thing.

And never use a website that requires a secure password.


Cell Phones are fun to hack, and you can get a lot of experience. lol

 

[Leejosepho]

Three or four years ago in an out-of-town motel, I discovered someone was browsing my Win7 notebook while looking for whatever. So whatever you do, at least be sure to turn off your file sharing options.

 

[Murphy625]

No problem using an open wifi network.. Just be sure you have a software firewall installed on your own computer and do not log into anything that requires your personal username or password.

 

[Leejosepho]

...do not log into anything that requires your personal username or password.

I have heard that is not a problem as long as you only use copy-and-paste to log in. Problems can come when you type your credentials and some kind of keylogger is running.

 

[julie cristal]

use tp link wifi router.

 

[DonL]

use tp link wifi router.

What Model would you recommend ?

 

[DonL]

I have heard that is not a problem as long as you only use copy-and-paste to log in. Problems can come when you type your credentials and some kind of keylogger is running.

Depending on the website, some HTTPS sites will not let you copy and paste passwords.

It is easier to get the contents of your Clipboard, than to get to your keyboard buffer.

 

[LLigetfa]

...some kind of keylogger is running.

LOL

If you have a keylogger installed, you already have bigger problems than worrying about using Wi-Fi.

 

[DonL]

LOL

If you have a keylogger installed, you already have bigger problems than worrying about using Wi-Fi.

Very True.