Comments for How do I stay safe in an internet cafe?

Comment from Novak on 2011-08-24

2011-08-24T15:43:37Z

Every day more and more people want to protect their privacy on Internet. Governments around the world put different kind of restrictions on Internet connections of their citizens. VPN is solution for all that with which you can bypass all restrictions and protect your privacy. Many expert predict that VPN is future of Internet freedom.
I am using http://www.supervpn.net/ and I am very satisfied with their services.

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Comment from Miss.Andrea Borman on 2011-07-02

2011-07-02T10:46:21Z

I am on holiday in Manchester at the moment and I have not taken any of my 4 Netbooks with me.I have left them at home and I am using the Internet cafe to write this. Because although the hotel I am staying in has WiFi it is not safe and I don't feel safe using public Wifi. Windows Firewall is not very secure not even on Windows 7 as all it does is advice you that it is blocking a service and if or not you want to enable it. And you only have to tick yes which I and most users do and it is enabled.So the Firewall is not a security feature in reality. Also, as you say, everyone will see your computer on the network. So my advice is leave your computer at home if you can help it. And use the Internet cafe and in the Internet cafe-remember to delete your browsing history before your time ends to avoid others seeing your email address and password. Andrea Borman.

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Comment from Koh Chang on 2010-10-31

2010-10-31T17:53:31Z

with unencrypted Wi Fi, every password, email message, and web page can be read by other users on the network. You should only use secure (encrypted) email and should not enter a password or personal information on a web pages.

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Comment from Sascha on 2010-10-19

2010-10-20T06:11:12Z

Glad to have found your site. I like your clear writing style.

I set out to never surf on insecure Wifi networks again, so I did some research on VPN providers and after checking VPNreviews which has a list of choices that goes beyond the needs and affordibility for an average user, I found ProXPN, which is free up to 1GB/month, and only $5/month for unlimited access.

It seems they're so cheap right now because they only maintain 1 server (in California). This is a no ad, no nag service, based on OpenVPN. If you use this ProXPN referral link we both get 1 month PRO service free.

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Comment from Ariel on 2010-09-16

2010-09-17T04:57:54Z

I checked my Gmail settings that you mentioned in the article and Gmail has changed their default connection to Https. So you don't have to set it to - "always use Https". However the options to use either one is still available but if you click on either of these radio buttons you could create some issues with some of the mobile phone access to your mail. I'm leaving mine un-clicked as it is already defaulted to Https. My address bar in my browser confirms a Https connection.

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Comment from George Bishop on 2010-08-31

2010-08-31T13:01:38Z

When travelling, I use libraries to access my bank account. I use ROBO TO GO on my memory stick. Its the same as ROBOFORM but is portable.

You are running the very real and serious risk that malware or keyloggers (yes, still keyloggers) could be intercepting your information. I would not do what you do.

01-Sep-2010

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Comment from Anaks on 2010-08-13

2010-08-13T22:24:28Z

Great post, I am using Super VPN Service for same purpose.

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Comment from Ginger the Kringer on 2010-07-19

2010-07-19T08:02:29Z

Hi, I am curious about my laptop's security. I am scared of using next yaer at highschool due to the fact I might get a formatted hard drive because some kid may think its funny. So what would be the best personal fire wall for me, I want somthing that wont be in my way and lag me but I want somthing saying NuB:PC at IP 1.2.3.4 is attempting access on your computer Deny or approove? I know its much to ask but ill pay a good bit for peace at mind.

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Comment from Gordon James on 2010-06-14

2010-06-14T19:49:05Z

Hi!
I am learning about intrusion detection and security. I have found some great https clients to run on your home network so you can bounce all connections through them when you are in a risky environment.

I would love to see you do a simple guide to these.

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Comment from James on 2010-05-27

2010-05-27T09:41:26Z

Recently created new email address and needed to
send something urgently via an internet cafe.
Typed in user name and password and was informed
that neither was valid. Does this mean Gmail does not work via internet cafes? It should have been a very simple matter. Your response would be appreciated.

It should work fine. With the information provided I have no idea why it didn't work.

27-May-2010

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Comment from Jerry on 2010-05-17

2010-05-18T02:09:41Z

Are all the risks you describe equally applicable to the iPod Touch? I'm unaware of it's providing a firewall.

Traffic sniffing is definitely a possibility regardless of the device you use, so yes, the importance of things like https and other encrypted connections apply to any device including the iPod Touch. As for a firewall, this I'm unsure of. Given how little malware there is targeted at the Touch it may not be as big an issue as it is for PC users.

18-May-2010

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Comment from George on 2010-05-08

2010-05-08T20:42:47Z

Good article, but I'm a little confused. Let�s say I'm traveling, I fire up my laptop, enable the firewall and log onto my My Yahoo page using the hotel�s internet connection. One of the modules tracks my (poorly performing# stocks/investments. Since My Yahoo is not an https site, can someone in the hotel potentially see this information? I checked to see if Yahoo has an https option but only found info about Yahoo mail #which I don�t use). I don�t travel enough to justify VPN, so other than not visiting the site, do I have any other option? Thanks Leo.

Yes, that's exactly the kind of thing that could be viewed: non-https connections over a WiFi connection could be seen by someone nearby. Without https or a VPN things get either complex or somewhat fragile. I think you can try one of the anonymizing proxies like TOR - it at least encrypts the connection from your laptop to the first TOR node.

09-May-2010

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Comment from Adam on 2010-05-05

2010-05-05T16:39:16Z

Helpful article - thank you. However, I am unsure if it applies only to Internet usage only or all data on the computer. What if I connect to a wireless network (say in a cafe) and my firewall is not enabled - Can someone see the data on my hard drive and get into desktop applications or should I only be concerned about information exchanged over the Internet?

Without the firewall enabled you are at huge risk. Enable it, especially when at an open WiFi hotspot. YES, your data may be at risk.

06-May-2010

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Comment from DavidBrilliant on 2009-11-21

2009-11-21T17:51:45Z

When away from home I would like to use internet cafe's for the odd email, and check my bank accounts, but I am afraid to do so. Is there any way I can protect myself from my security being breached? I do not use a laptop with a wireless connection.

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Comment from John on 2009-11-17

2009-11-17T16:38:22Z

Good advice as always, Leo. I'd like to add that even though you have a Firewall running, make sure that you lock it down by disabling Exceptions when you are using a public LAN. I just got attacked that way in a library!

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Comment from Craig on 2009-11-15

2009-11-16T01:20:49Z

Could LogMeIn (their free version) be used effectively as a VPN? I log on at their site and I then connect to my home computer and remote control it to do all of my Internet business. Is this an effective way to keep people from seeing what I'm doing when I'm accessing the Internet at a hotel?

Yes. I've been meaning to play with the free LogMeIn (I also use LogMeIn Hamachi, which when coupled with Windows own Remote Desktop can also do the same).

16-Nov-2009

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Comment from David on 2009-11-13

2009-11-13T10:51:19Z

The Webmail service FastMail.fm offers https, as well as one-use passwords.

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Comment from Charles Tilley on 2009-10-28

2009-10-29T05:50:56Z

Leo, every week I read and get a lot of excellent advice on your column. But you can get CLEAR signals a lot further than 100 meters away. I have my own connection (Verizon Wireless), but the person who rented this place before me mounted a wi-fi antenna on top of the unused chimney (a huge square one), the library is eight blocks away, and I can pick up an excellent signal from here. Along with about 20 or so unsecured networks. The landlord told me to use it, he installed it and used it for 4 years with no trouble. But I'm afraid for the reasons that you mentioned to use it. I just can't believe that all these people in 2009 leave their networks unsecured. Too lazy to set up the security on their routers, just plug and play.

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Comment from Leroy on 2009-08-16

2009-08-16T12:11:14Z

I always use https when I'm at unsecured wireless networks, but I'm worried that someone can still see what I'm doing. I make sure the website uses AES 256 bit encryption but I don't think that's enough for encryption. Is it possible for someone to decrypt the https connection?

Nope, it's not practically possible.

16-Aug-2009

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Comment from Peter on 2009-07-20

2009-07-21T05:46:06Z

Hotspot connection and its signal matters a most and thius respect i can assure you from my pat experience that wifirush service,wireless connection and hotspot is one of the best in the market. I promise you, wifirush latest technology keeps you free from security threats and constantly encourages you to use it for your business purpose at your best level.Visit http://wifirush.com/services_flash.html for more information to get new taste of hotspot.

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Comment from Nick on 2008-12-16

2008-12-16T18:24:10Z

But I use uk vpn and so happy !

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Comment from Alex on 2008-10-17

2008-10-17T19:52:58Z

Aslo it is strongly recommended using VPN when you are browsing in a public wi-fi zones, internet cafe..etc
I use personal vpn service (128byt encrypted) called VPN Privacy. Very fast and convinient.

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Comment from hackhelp on 2008-10-14

2008-10-14T09:33:20Z

Leo if your piggybacking on someone else's connection and you are on a httpS website can that info be sniffed or is it still secure?

Yep, https is point-to-point secure and safe from sniffing.

- Leo
14-Oct-2008

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Comment from Wade on 2008-10-07

2008-10-08T04:31:20Z

Few more public wi-fi security tips at:

http://www.freewifihotspotsoftware.com/security_tips.html

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Comment from Alisha on 2008-09-18

2008-09-18T14:55:30Z

hi, my sister has a wireless internet accross the road i would say less than 100m. is it possible to connect to conect to the same internet? is there any usb that covers the range of 100m to connect to the wireless internet connection? please reply Thanks

You might get lucky with an extra antenna or something (google "wifi antenna") but as I understand it 100m is at the very fringe of what WiFi is supposed to cover in the best of circumstances.

In otherwords, I would expect the answer to be "no".

-Leo

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Comment from Leo A. Notenboom on 2008-03-23

2008-03-23T23:35:09Z

-----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE-----
Hash: SHA1

I won't speak to the ethics, but I can certainly comment on
the RISK of using someone else's WiFi. YES, the owner of the
network you happen to be piggybacking on could monitor what
you're doing, and YES they could be doing it on purpoase.
I've certainly heard of exactly that happening - someonen
setting up a wireless access point in a public spot, and
then sniffing on whomever happens to connect.

Leo

-----BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE-----
Version: GnuPG v1.4.7 (MingW32)

iD8DBQFH5ukkCMEe9B/8oqERAiMRAJ9qYp8aiS/747xHXza++gwwo+AYUwCcCucg
o7HMrodOXj4IYDSfSd1CcJM=
=qLkj
-----END PGP SIGNATURE-----

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Comment from lorraine on 2008-03-20

2008-03-20T18:54:59Z

We here a lot about the ethics of Piggybacking from one's home onto an "unsecured" network and also the safety of those who "own" the account.
But, what about those who do the Piggybacking? Is it safe for us??
If someone leaves his network unsecured could they possibly be doing it on purpose to "sniff"?

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Comment from Tim on 2008-01-24

2008-01-24T22:57:48Z

Now that I am aware of the need for httpS, can I not change my gmail account to its use?

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Comment from Chuck Newman on 2008-01-22

2008-01-22T15:29:20Z

"Definitely do not do anything that has to do with payments, money, credit cards, etc.. Just surf the net." This is nonsense propagated by those who really do not understand various types of encryption and their proper uese. As Leo said, if you have an SSL (https) connection you don't need any further encryption. And you won't have any problems with credit card transactions or banking issues, whether wired or wireless. Again, as Leo said, it's "everything else" you do on the Internet that will be easily sniffed by a hacker (even a casual one)in a wireless environment. I started using HotSpotVPN several months ago and I'm very satisfied with the results. They are the only reasonably priced VPN service that I know of that offer client based SSL type VPN that is more secure and stable than the Open VPN services that use the XP based system. And you have three levels of security to select from. Now I use hot spots anywhere with full AES encryption for ALL my Internet usage. Great peace of mind.

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Comment from Michael Horowitz on 2008-01-21

2008-01-22T05:59:16Z

Earthlink's webmail system uses HTTPS all the time. Some webmail systems only use it for the login page, but not for reading and writing individual messages. Gmail will use HTTPS all the time, but only if you start out making an HTTPS request initially.

The need for safety with a wireless network is obvious. However, many people are not aware of the need for safety when plugging into a wired Ethernet connection in a hotel room. For more on that see my blog
Ethernet connections in a hotel room are not secure
http://blogs.cnet.com/8301-13554_1-9854369-33.html

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Comment from Jaymes Brandon on 2008-01-20

2008-01-21T02:19:38Z

Thanks Leo....that is great advice! I sent a copy to my wife, who uses her laptop more frequently these days.
With all that is 'out there' it is good to know there are proper measures that can be applied to get the technological security necessary:-)

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Comment from tutu808 on 2008-01-18

2008-01-19T02:16:34Z

Thanks for all you do. To log onto gmail through an https connection, I will soon be traveling on a cruise ship which will probably have a wifi connection but if not I know it has connections on its own computers. How do I use an https connection in that circumstance?

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Comment from George Arauz on 2008-01-17

2008-01-17T13:57:13Z

definitely do not do anything that has to do with payments, money, credit cards, etc.. Just surf the net.

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