How to be "secure" over an unsecure wireless network?

[FearM9]

I'm still awfully new to this whole Wi-Fi phenomenon sweeping across the country and coffee shops. In fact today is my first experience with it. So far it looks pretty simple. My only main concern is the security (or lack of) over unsecured wireless networks. Is there something I can do to protect my surfing from unscrupulous users?

Thanks

[Kryptonite]

I'd start with a firewall. WinXP has one, but i've heard there's better. It'll restrict incoming traffic. You may have to re-config some chat programs, but it's worh it.

[KesOne]

I'm still awfully new to this whole Wi-Fi phenomenon sweeping across the country and coffee shops. In fact today is my first experience with it. So far it looks pretty simple. My only main concern is the security (or lack of) over unsecured wireless networks. Is there something I can do to protect my surfing from unscrupulous users?

Thanks

Pretty much the same risk when your surfing wired. A firewall would definitely protect you more. Now did you mean protecting your wireless connection at home?

[FearM9]

Pretty much the same risk when your surfing wired. A firewall would definitely protect you more. Now did you mean protecting your wireless connection at home?

No wireless connection at home. I have to use dial-up since my trailer park is out in the sticks.

Will using Norton's anti-virus work or do I have to buy a firewall program.

I'm definately wet-behind-the-ears when it comes to anything computer related.

[KesOne]

No wireless connection at home. I have to use dial-up since my trailer park is out in the sticks.

Will using Norton's anti-virus work or do I have to buy a firewall program.

I'm definately wet-behind-the-ears when it comes to anything computer related.

Oh dude, get yourself a good firewall program besides the Norton AV. You can never be too protected. I'd really recommend this
http://www.zonelabs.com/store/content/catalog/products/sku_list_zap.jsp?dc=12bms&ctry=US&lang=en&lid=ho_zap

You can even find it for free if you really search, but you probably want a legit copy. Even something like this wouldn't hurt....

http://www.compusa.com/products/product_info.asp?pfp=SEARCH&Ntt=firewall&N=0&Dx=mode+matchall&Nty=1&D=firewall&Ntk=All&product_code=334806&Pn=Norton_Personal_Firewall_2006

Definitely a good investment. Isnt hard to install at all, and any questions you can always ask here.

[FearM9]

Oh dude, get yourself a good firewall program besides the Norton AV. You can never be too protected. I'd really recommend this
http://www.zonelabs.com/store/content/catalog/products/sku_list_zap.jsp?dc=12bms&ctry=US&lang=en&lid=ho_zap

You can even find it for free if you really search, but you probably want a legit copy. Even something like this wouldn't hurt....

http://www.compusa.com/products/product_info.asp?pfp=SEARCH&Ntt=firewall&N=0&Dx=mode+matchall&Nty=1&D=firewall&Ntk=All&product_code=334806&Pn=Norton_Personal_Firewall_2006

Definitely a good investment. Isnt hard to install at all, and any questions you can always ask here.

So in addition to the Norton's...I'd have to use one of those products as well?

[KesOne]

So in addition to the Norton's...I'd have to use one of those products as well?

Does your Norton include a firewall? If not then I would say yes.

[IntheNet]

My only main concern is the security (or lack of) over unsecured wireless networks. Is there something I can do to protect my surfing from unscrupulous users?

Thanks

FearM9: The wireless phenomena presents the risk of others seeing you over the open networks in addition to you seeing them... protecting "your surfing" while you do so wirelessly requires a few basic rules, the most important of which is to "disable file sharing" so that other wireless surfers can't help themselves to files on your computer. Since wireless surfing is similar to anonymous sex, make sure you have all your patches in place if you use a Windows operating system as the chances of getting a virus are increased without protection (see it is similiar isn't it). And if you really want to be secure, use a Macintosh computer...

[FearM9]

Does your Norton include a firewall? If not then I would say yes. Just bought....

http://www.symantec.com/home_homeoffice/products/overview.jsp?pcid=is&pvid=nis2007

...and on the box it said it had a personal firewall.

[KesOne]

Just bought....

http://www.symantec.com/home_homeoffice/products/overview.jsp?pcid=is&pvid=nis2007

...and on the box it said it had a personal firewall.

As long as you see it intercepting connections etc. If not, I would get a dedicated product.

[Kryptonite]

You can even find it for free if you really search, but you probably want a legit copy.

My rule of thumb when downloading such programs is unless the official site is offering free downloads, don't do it. You never know what crap could be installed by 3rd parties.

[KesOne]

My rule of thumb when downloading such programs is unless the official site is offering free downloads, don't do it. You never know what crap could be installed by 3rd parties.

There really isnt a rule of thumb when downloading torrents.

[Claus KJ]

Oh dude, get yourself a good firewall program besides the Norton AV. You can never be too protected. I'd really recommend this
http://www.zonelabs.com/store/content/catalog/products/sku_list_zap.jsp?dc=12bms&ctry=US&lang=en&lid=ho_zap

You can even find it for free if you really search, but you probably want a legit copy.

Or you can just download the free version of the ZoneAlarm firewall here (http://www.zonelabs.com/store/content/catalog/products/sku_list_za.jsp?dc=12bms&ctry=US&lang=en&lid=nav_za). It lacks a few of the bells and whistles that the Pro version includes but it has served me good for the last couple (274.576 blocked access attempts so far).

KJ

[srd....]

There really isnt a rule of thumb when downloading torrents.

i'd disagree big time there bud....
personally id never download a torrent in .zip or .rar type files....god only knows what can be in those buggers.i know a few people who got nasty stuff in them already so i avoid them like the plague.

also once you start downloading,check the download folder for any unwanted baggage and a program like bit-tornado you can see and decide exactly what your downloading to your p.c. from the torrent.

[KesOne]

i'd disagree big time there bud....
personally id never download a torrent in .zip or .rar type files....god only knows what can be in those buggers.i know a few people who got nasty stuff in them already so i avoid them like the plague.

also once you start downloading,check the download folder for any unwanted baggage and a program like bit-tornado you can see and decide exactly what your downloading to your p.c. from the torrent.

Well thats what I meant, when downloading torrents you're doing it at your own risk. I dont know about the unwanted baggage as my AV immediately recognizes garbage for me ;)

[Andy Bennett]

I did a free website concerning network and internet security a while ago. Have a look at

http://www.itosn.com

particularly the 'Securing your stand alone or network node machine' part. Reading it now it's a bit out of date. (doesn't even mention wireless), but it probably points you in the right direction.

Basically you need:-

1. A 'clean' operating system.
2. Which you keep up to date, (patched),
3. An anti-virus which you keep up to date, (virus pattern database, that is),
4. A firewall like Windows XP's one or zonealarm already mentioned.
5. DON'T open email attachments from people until you've scanned them for viruses even if you know them.
6. Don't visit 'dodgy' sites and particularly don't download software from them.

That'll do for starters.