Is my data and e-mail secure at a Wi-Fi-FreeSpot?
You should never conduct unsecured transactions that include any account or password information over public hotspots using FTP, email, or the Web. Try to use SSL for email (POP and SMTP), or read your email with a Web browser using an SSL connection. Ask your ISP if they offer SSL secure web-based email. Glenn Fleishman, author of the book The Wireless Networking Starter Kit, sums it up thusly, ” When data leaves your computer, if it’s not on an encrypted link, anyone can read everything you send and receive.
You should never conduct unsecured transactions that include any account or password information over public hotspots using FTP, email, or the Web. Try to use SSL for email (POP and SMTP), or read your email with a Web browser using an SSL connection. Ask your ISP if they offer SSL ecure web-based email. Glenn Fleishman, author of the book The Wireless Networking Starter Kit, sums it up thusly, ” When data leaves your computer, if it’s not on an encrypted link, anyone can read everything you send and receive.” Here’s what the Wi-Fi Alliance says: Wireless networks in public areas and “HotSpots” like Internet cafes may not provide any security. Although some service providers do provide this with their custom software, many HotSpots leave all security turned off to make it easier to access and get on the network in the first place. If security is important to you the best way to achieve this when you are connecting back to your office is to use a VPN (Virtual Private Network). If you do
