Wireless in a public place

[CapWhoops]

When I'm in a public place, using the wireless available; are the administrators able to trace what I've done. I mean do they know if I'm using e-mail, ebay and facebook or even downloading music. What exactly are the security issues involved when using the internet in a public place?

 

[brian]

welcome to computer forum.

i would say they can do what ever they want. so yes they can* see what you do.

* but they probily dont

 

[elitehacker]

Yeah technically any ISP can "see" what you are doing, they can have logs of all the websites you have visited and so on, but I don't think they would do that unless requested by a law enforcement agency.

 

[CapWhoops]

Thanks for the replies, I just wanted to know how at risk I am for password stealing and such. (i.e. PayPal) At the moment, the only access I have is in a public place. Appreciate the help.

 

[theboy]

good info!

 

[Punk]

Thanks for the replies, I just wanted to know how at risk I am for password stealing and such. (i.e. PayPal) At the moment, the only access I have is in a public place. Appreciate the help.

Don't worry about that, they never steal passwords, it's against the law. Are you going on public Wifi in a cafe?

 

[Emperor_nero]

I wouldn't do anything involving money when hooked up to a public wifi AP. To many people around to hack and get your PW.

 

[Geoff]

Thanks for the replies, I just wanted to know how at risk I am for password stealing and such. (i.e. PayPal) At the moment, the only access I have is in a public place. Appreciate the help.

I would be worried more about other people on the network stealing your password, rather then the admin. Since it's an open network anyone connected does have the ability to "spy" on other people.

 

[systek]

I would be worried more about other people on the network stealing your password, rather then the admin. Since it's an open network anyone connected does have the ability to "spy" on other people.

this IS 100% correct. anyone on the "network" can now access other ppl's computers with ease. NEVER EVER use a public hotspot to perform any financial/business critical activity unless you are using a vpn tunnel into a corporate network. then you are safe from prying eyes.