Internet on the Road?

I've been in IT for 15 years, and am now going back on the road with my wife as a team. This thread has been interesting to read.

WiFi will not be going away anytime soon. However, finding "Free" WiFi hot-spots will become harder. Unless a company wants to provide free internet use, it's to their benefit to restrict access to their wireless internet. You should almost always be able to get on the internet if you're near any public facilities - e.g., public library, city hall, county courthouse, etc.

Why is WiFi dangerous? Anyone can download for free a program which "watches" the traffic over any network - wireless or wired. This software allows the user to watch "packets" as they go back and forth on the network. This software also has filter capabilities, which allow the thief to sort out your (or anyone else's) specific traffic. WiFi's which are free, are not encrypted. This means your passwords, account numbers, etc are easily "sniffed" out of the network traffic.

The Sprint/Verizon type cards are indeed encrypted, thus offering you more security and comfort in using them over free WiFi.

The other way you can keep from being a victim is to make sure the web-sites for your bank/credit card/etc use "secure" web-sites. These sites always begin with "HTTPS" - note the "S" on the end. This is one indicator the web-site is encrypted, making it difficult for a hacker to glean your personal information.

Also, be careful when using "public terminals" at truck stops and other locations. Sometimes these systems are not maintained as well as others. Hackers install "key logger" software onto them via viruses and trojans. You type in the address of the web-site you want, type in your login account and password, and BINGO, the hacker has all they need to rob you blind.

Keep your computer anti-virus updated regularly - there is a very good FREE anti-virus software out there called AVG. Google for it, you'll find it.

If you're changing anti-virus software, remove the old anti-virus software first. Anti-virus software by design watches everything that goes on in your computer. By having two or three different A-V programs running, you're just slowing your computer down something fierce.

Happy computing! See you on the road!

 

thanks calmar! that's what i call news you can use. excellent!

 

Some states offer FREE WiFi in their restareas.

These are the spots I am aware of (if YOU know of any others, please POST them):

IOWA
I-80 ALL Modern rest areas between Davenport and Council Bluffs
I-35 Modern rest areas at both ends of the state
I-29 Modern rest areas at both ends of the state

TEXAS
I-10 Modern rest areas at both ends of the state



ADDITIONALLY: Be careful using other "FREE" WiFi at coffee shops, libraries, McD's ect (with-out purchasing anything) or "piggy-backing" on someone's unsecured WiFi. I am reading a story of a Michigan man who was arrested for "stealing" FREE WiFi and there are other instances in other states as well.

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2005/07/07/tech/main707361.shtml

http://www.sptimes.com/2005/07/04/State/Wi_Fi_cloaks_a_new_br.shtml

http://www.techdirt.com/articles/20070522/132415.shtml

 

I have about 15 years experience with computers and was a few credits short of getting a BS degree in CompSci. So while I don't know everything, I know quite a bit.

For what it is worth most banks use SSL encryption and this should in theory help to protect your data from being easily viewed. Look for a key icon or a padlock like icon on your browser to see that it is using SSL (secure socket layer). If your bank isn't using it, they aren't a very good bank.

Also for general traffic if you want some privacy, I recommend Tor @ tor DOT eff DOT org. Using Tor all data will be encrypted starting with your computer and then sent out to a Tor entry node. As an added bonus Tor will basically hide your location and ISP from the end destination. I do NOT recommend using TOR with places like banks though. This is because the Tor exit node (I am speaking greek to you I know!) is able to theoretically see your traffic.

 

I have to agree, most "legitimate" sites that offer financial services do have encryption protection on their sites. So even if your information is captured by someone, they need to have the same "key" for them to get something out of the information they captured. Every time you login a to website you would have a different key so I don't think they will ever get the same key you logged in to when they try to access the website.

One danger here would be phishing websites that try to imitate legitimate sites. One way to protect yourself from this is to download the latest browser such as Internet Explorer (IE) or Firefox that has phishing protection.

One tip I can give you is just to make sure that you use your financial services carefully, never give out your information on sites you don't trust and make sure you are protected against phishing websites.

Most wireless hotspots have routers where you connect directly into, so that means that your information won't go through the computer of the establishments. Just make sure your computer is clean then you don't have to worry about the establishment's computer. And to minimize hackers getting into your system, remember to always use your firewall. Windows has a good firewall in-place so you don't have to download any program. Just make sure it's up and running.

I agree, AVG is an awesome program that doesn't take up so much resources. I would also advice them to also install the AVG anti-rootkit and scan it at least once. Both AVG products are great. But I don't like the anti-spyware AVG uses. I would rather get the spybot Search & Destroy for spyware protection. Some say that there are better ways then installing anti-rootkits, but I think going the extra-length to protect yourself hurts no-one.

Even if you know the email sender, don't just open any program, make sure you scan them first before opening just to make sure you won't get any problems. Most virus senders spoof or imitate other senders so you can't be sure even if you know the person. Good anti-virus programs does scan everything before opening automatically, so you don't have to do this manually. Make sure you're virus definitions are up to date and you shouldn't have any problem.

I totally agree!

Again just a precaution, don't give out your personal and financial information over the net unless you are totally sure that the site can be trusted and that it has encryption protection to protect your information. If a site is asking for your email address, use an email address that you made specifically for spam. You don't want to give out your real email address unless it's a friend, associate, or family. For website use, use a different email address that you made specifically for this purpose.

Going back to wireless connection, just be vigilant and don't just hand out information. Most trusted site do have secured or encryption protection so there's no problem with that. There is no 100% guarantee. Even the most vigilant people can still be a victim with newly found security holes. But at least you can drastically reduce your risks. Happy surfing, and safe driving to all.

 

You should also have a firewall set up on your laptop. The firewall that comes with windows vista works great.

As for people getting your credit card information, I don't think the internet is anymore unsafe than anywhere else. Remember, when you go to a store, you often have someone taking your credit card and processing it. They can just as easily get your information as someone on the internet.

 

You can use Sprint as just your internet provider or you can have all your eggs in one basket so to speak. I'm planning on getting one of the newer usb modems from them because you can increase speeds by the way you connect it to your laptop. AND when Sprint says INHIBIUNLIMITED........That's exactly what they mean.