Unsecured network - safe to connect to?

[theMAD2]

Some hotels have free wireless internet access, they say it's totally free but unsecure. Is this normally safe to use? Normal applications we would use it for are email, web and Skype. Any advice appreciated

 

[Valo]

Some hotels have free wireless internet access, they say it's totally free but unsecure. Is this normally safe to use? Normal applications we would use it for are email, web and Skype. Any advice appreciated

As long as you have a good software firewall running and have no unsecured shared folders it'll be fine IMO

It just means that the data transmitted from your laptop to the wireless access point is unencrypted, yes someone with the right equipment and knowhow could intercept "packet sniff" your data that you're sending/receiving but it's highly unlikely.

 

[theMAD2]

Thanks for the advice mate, we're just running XP pro with XP firewall, would you say this is good enough?

 

[mike1210]

being petty I would untick the file and print sharing exceptions on the windows firewall. And make sure you have anti-virus software which is up to date

 

[errata]

The hotel probably has a router and your going to be on there LAN so its probably some basic screening because of the NAT used on most routers BUT you should assume the worst and get better protection.

You should have all the XP and applications security updates installed

AND a good antivirus/antispyware packge running

AND a software firewall able to keep better tabs on incoming and outgoing data

As noted already be sure shared folders etc are locked down.

 

[Valo]

Thanks for the advice mate, we're just running XP pro with XP firewall, would you say this is good enough?

I would think so, I use it fine on my lappy, however someone may suggest something else
Keep your Windows updates, AV and Spyware upto date also.

Edit: beaten to it!

 

[theMAD2]

Thanks everyone