Hi,
I have a few very basic security questions regarding Wi-Fi. It seems that many of the free Wi-Fi networks are unsecured. In these instances, there is a notation stating:
This network is configured for open access. Information sent over this network may be visible to others.
If I have a firewall installed on my computer, am I protected? For instance, there are times that I do not have access to a wired connection, and I would like to be able to log on to my brokerage software and make a trade. Obviously my brokerage software contains personal financial data, and I have to use a password to access the site. Is this completely unwise and unrecommended on an unsecured Wi-Fi network? Or would my firewall protect me? If you go into Starbucks, McDonalds, assorted truck stops, or various hotel lobbies -- are the Wi-Fi networks generally unsecured? (As you can see, I'm new to all this! :-))
Also (and again, another very elementary (and perhaps silly) question), if I am on an unsecured Wi-Fi network and am not doing anything financially sensitive (say I'm browsing the CNN site) -- even though the website I'm accessing is completely innocuous, are the files on my computer still visible and at risk? In other words, are the contents of the computer visible and could the computer be hacked into just by my being on an unsecured Wi-Fi- network? Or is this a completely ridiculous question? :-)
If it is, indeed, foolhardy to access any websites pertaining to finances or utilizing credit cards -- what WOULD it be safe to do on an unsecured Wi-Fi network? Even logging on to SI requires a password.
Thanks in advance for indulging my very basic questions.
Best regards,
IHSC |
