How do I stay internet safe when travelling?
I am new to RVing and travelling. How do I stay internet safe whilst using public wifi on sites etc so that I can keep in contact with personal banking sites etc whilst away from home? Not very comput...
Forum Discussion
Unfortunately, most are under the assumption that depending on what device, system, or method one is using, they are somehow protected from being compromised. More accurately, if a hacker is determined to break into your system, they eventually will. As long as you're connected to network that allows that access.
Personally, I would not do any type of banking or financial transactions using an open public WiFi. I have no problem with email, forums, or other membership sites. But do recommend only using an encrypted connections.
If you must do a financial transaction, use an additional layer of encryption, such as a VPN service.
I would also not use any type of mobile smartphone for any financial transactions, though become a increasingly popular trend. Doesn't make any difference whether its an iPhone/Android phone. Both have become prime targets for hackers, and now becoming the least secure devices.
Of prime importance is to make sure you are using a currently supported and updated OS. Also make sure your browsers, plugins, and media devices are all updated with security patches. Basically, any app that connects to the Net. Including installation of a reputable security suite - AV/Firewall. Creating security layers a plus.
As an aside, I often read posts of those who are still using outdated OS, no longer supported. And under the assumption that because they are using AV software, they are somehow still protected from being exploited?
One of our new contractors in my office is working toward his post-graduate cyber security degree, and his cubicle looks like a hackers dream suite.
He recently demonstrated how easy it was to hack into a WIN XP system. Didn't take him long to breach a port, get an admin prompt, drop a malicious payload, and exit without the user even detecting he was there. AV software made no difference. All the tools he used was easily available as open source freeware. In fact, we are planning a video demo in the future for our staff. Though WIN XP is already banned from our network, access blocked when detected, some use it without a net connection for outdated software.
Personally, I would not do any type of banking or financial transactions using an open public WiFi. I have no problem with email, forums, or other membership sites. But do recommend only using an encrypted connections.
If you must do a financial transaction, use an additional layer of encryption, such as a VPN service.
I would also not use any type of mobile smartphone for any financial transactions, though become a increasingly popular trend. Doesn't make any difference whether its an iPhone/Android phone. Both have become prime targets for hackers, and now becoming the least secure devices.
Of prime importance is to make sure you are using a currently supported and updated OS. Also make sure your browsers, plugins, and media devices are all updated with security patches. Basically, any app that connects to the Net. Including installation of a reputable security suite - AV/Firewall. Creating security layers a plus.
As an aside, I often read posts of those who are still using outdated OS, no longer supported. And under the assumption that because they are using AV software, they are somehow still protected from being exploited?
One of our new contractors in my office is working toward his post-graduate cyber security degree, and his cubicle looks like a hackers dream suite.
He recently demonstrated how easy it was to hack into a WIN XP system. Didn't take him long to breach a port, get an admin prompt, drop a malicious payload, and exit without the user even detecting he was there. AV software made no difference. All the tools he used was easily available as open source freeware. In fact, we are planning a video demo in the future for our staff. Though WIN XP is already banned from our network, access blocked when detected, some use it without a net connection for outdated software.
