Wi Fi security

Rgc_3

Hi
I appreciate this topic is already covered but my situation is slightly different in that i need to use a public access point in a hotel for banking etc.

My concern is that as i work in this hotel then should i use the wi fi point how can i effectively stop my co workers from viewing my details via the main serving pc(I have security in place but not against the actual pc with the wi fi connection and whillst im not suggesting i distrust my co workers it is an uneasy feeling to know that potentially up to ten co workers have theoretical access to my details from the main pc /wifi point(Its just a standard wi fi equipment linked up much the same as a home network would be.

Suggestions appreciated and welcome
R

amcluesent

Your session with the bank would be encrypted from your browser to the bank using SSL, so screens of info on your accounts couldn't be in intercepted on the wi-fi controller. Of course, the log of URLs visited would still be there, so you couldn't hide the sites you had visited.

Browntoa

make sure you have file and printer sharing off

http://mobileoffice.about.com/od/findingusinghotspots/ht/disablefileprin.htm

Here's How:

1. Go to Start - Control Panel. Click on Control Panel to open it.
2. Once the Control Panel is open, click on Network and Internet Connections.
3. Now select Network Connections from the choices available. You will now see the types of connections that your laptop has available to connect to the Internet with.
4. Choose the Network Connection that you will be using to access the hot spot - ordnarily this will be the LAN/High Speed Connection and not your Dial Up Account. zSB(3,3)Right click on the connection type and select Properties from the drop down menu.
   
5. The Local Area Connection Properties display all clients and protocols running on your laptop, as well indicating File and Printer Sharing status.
6. Remove the check from the box next to File and Printer Sharing to de-select that option.
7. Click OK and once that window closes - restart your laptop. File and Printer Sharing is now disabled.

Matt_A_2

Browntoa wrote:

make sure you have file and printer sharing off...

I'm afraid that won't solve the problem, not unless you're concern is people gaining access to temporary internet files cached on the PC.

You need to be more concerned about the security of the wi-fi connection your using. Basically, if you're using an unencrypted link or one protected using WEP, you're sensitive information is not protected (WEP encryption can be broken in under two minutes... I know this because I do it for a living).

With little or no encryption in place it's fairly straightforward for someone to 'sniff' the network traffic and obtain your details. You can tighten up your security further after implementing WPA (a more secure encryption protocol) but this should be your first stop.

albertross_2

As already mentioned, an internet banking session will use ssl, which is encrypted, making sure a firewall is enabled, and turning off file and print sharing will protect against access to files.

The wifi encryption is probably beyond the OP's control, so there is not a lot they can do about people sniffing their browsing habits/emails etc. if the link is unencrypted.

bigdic

Personally I just wouldn't do it, I'd use phone banking if possible. Accessing your bank through a wireless network you don't control is not a wise move IMO.