Toronto Escorts

WIFI question...

Quest4Less

Well-known member
May 25, 2002
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Now that I have WIFI capability I'm wondering... if I'm surfing at a coffee shop on their network - can they access my computer? Or see what it is I'm surfing?
 

clules

Member
Jul 6, 2002
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Toronto, Ontario
Most public hotspot WiFi connections use routers. Your PC would have to connect to their Wireless Local Area Network. This network is probably connected to the Internet via a router.

Most routers can be configured to keep a log of web sites that are being accessed. These logs can get very large in a very short time.

I have set up several WiFi hotspots in Hotels around the city. None of these businesses want to know what sites individual people are browsing. Most of these businesses want to know about their bottom line. The questions I get asked are:

1. How much is going to cost to setup and maintain
2. Is it going to increase my revenue
3. Will it give me a edge over my competition

I would not worry about these people caring about what sites you visit.

As for people connecting to your PC. If you have good versions of the following, then you do not have to worry:

1. Antivirus
2. Firewall
3. Antispyware
 

thewheelman

New member
Feb 3, 2004
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Quest4Less said:
Now that I have WIFI capability I'm wondering... if I'm surfing at a coffee shop on their network - can they access my computer? Or see what it is I'm surfing?
Yes they can see exactly where you are surfing and much more if they want.

Depending upon their network architecture, they could have a packet sniffer watching for passwords , personal information etc, in addition to just the regular router logs.

You really know nothing about the network you are using or who has access to it at these hotspots. That 16 year old kid working part-time could easily be messing with the network.

I have been to hotels, where when I look into the office behind the front desk, I can see the router logs open on the screen.

If the wireless network is not properly configured with authentication and encryption, then other tech savy users of the network could be monitoring your connection also. If the routers configuration page password has not been changed from the default or even removed, then anyone in the place can view the logs.

If you have file sharing configured and drives or folders shared without password protection or encrypted file systems, then the guy next to you could be accessing your system.

So, how can you protect yourself so you are 100% safe? You can't.

You can use products like NetStumbler to view the security properties of the wireless lan you are using.
You can use software firewalls (Zone Alarm, Outpost) to monitor incoming and outgoing connections.
You can disable file sharing, or use proper passwords (no names or dictionary words).
You can store your personal information in a non shared folder with encryption.
If you must use public hotspots, you could use a secure VPN, a secure proxy server, SSH, or only use https:// sites.

I am not saying that there are no secure wireless networks. I'm sure many are setup by qualified networking companies, with locked servers, regular password changes, and encryption. But most hotspots are probably managed the family "guru" or worse.
 

canucklehead

Active member
Oct 16, 2003
2,422
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Your best bet while connectd to a public wifi hotspot is to use a vpn connection. Firewalls and such are great but if i sit on a network using Kismac or Kismet and capture packets all day in passive mode i can get tons of information from you. As well as if it is your own wifi at home mostly likely crack your WEP key or spoof your MAC address. At home always use WPA or stronger encryption.

This is a great service and is free. Allows you to have a secure surfing and email experience without setting up your own VPN server. Don't just include cafes also include wireless in hotels and any public place.

http://www.hamachi.cc/
 

Fred Zed

Administrator
Dec 31, 1969
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How to disable file sharing

thewheelman said:
If you have file sharing configured and drives or folders shared without password protection or encrypted file systems, then the guy next to you could be accessing your system.


File sharing leaves your computer open to a myriad of attacks. Many of these attacks will allow a malicious hacker to have complete read/write access to the contents of your hard-drive. Therefore, it is imperative that you disable file sharing if you do not absolutely need it:
http://www.attackdenied.com/disable_file_sharing.htm
 

Fred Zed

Administrator
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snooker90 said:
If I take my computer to the coffee shop, do I have to pay to use the internet even I subscript Sympatico at home.

Is there any where in GTA where I can use my Wi-fi free?
For some locations you might be a be able to pick up a wireless signal
from neighbouring buildings, otherwise you have to log in via your Sympatico wireless account.
 
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