WiFi vs USB or blue tooth

I don't agree, a WiFi hotspot such as a Verizon JetPack adapter properly setup with WPA2 security is not getting hacked.

I agree with SCH911. You have strong encryption and you are safe from all but the best hackers. And, I don't think people like Darren Kitchen (my hacking idol) are staying at campgrounds to look for RVs to hack.

ChooChooMan74 wrote:
I agree with SCH911. You have strong encryption and you are safe from all but the best hackers. And, I don't think people like Darren Kitchen (my hacking idol) are staying at campgrounds to look for RVs to hack.

Right, and when I'm in a CG and see an unsecured connection I'll try my best to let that person know they need to secure it. Most times they had no idea of the risks, and are grateful.

My phone allows me to set up allowed users, and claims to allow no other computers to connect. I dunno how hackable that is, but it'S another layer of security.

I do tend to think that skilled hackers are mostly not rvers.

Is Bluetooth as fast as Wifi?

Janss wrote:
Is Bluetooth as fast as Wifi?

I do hope you are aware that on its face, this question is like asking which is faster, a car or a speedboat. Since they do not exactly go the same place, relative speed is kinda useless information.

In that same vein, the headline of this thread makes as much sense as comparing a fish, a bicycle, and a shingle roof.

There are a couple things that concern me about some of the comments above
1) the assumption that WPA2 is secure. It is not completely secure it can be hacked, and could become more hackable tomorrow. More importantly, as previously mentioned Darren Kitchen has shown that you can build a tool that a 12 year old can easily operate which can spoof a legit WiFi network without you knowing, at which point security is irrelevant. You would be surprised, when I fire up my WIFI Pineapple at work and add the SSID "Starbucks" or "McDonalds" how many people accidentally connect to it. And that is not because people go "hey look free Starbucks WiFi in the middle nowhere" but because your device has already connected to Starbucks free WIFI in the past and it says (without you knowing) "hey look free Starbucks WiFi in the middle of nowhere lets connect to it".
2) the assumption that there are no hackers in the campgrounds: This is most definitely false. Every campground I am in you can guarantee there is always one. The good news is I am trained as a Network Security specialist and do my hacking only where I am legally authorized (my house or work) and in the context of my job to ensure my networks are secure.
3) the assumption that one protocol is more secure than another. WIFI is hackable, Bluetooth is hackable, and Cellular is now emerging to be the next attack front for hackers, it will be soon enough.
4) long range antennas make it much easier, with a 25dbi Yagi antenna I can see WIFI devices from up to 5 miles away, so far away they can require a rifle scope to point to the right one. Directional antennas are available and can be made for WIFI, Bluetooth and Cellular for nothing: Google "Pringles can antenna"
5) the certainty of some of the comments

With that said, most forms of communication are hackable. Some are much easier thanks to tools like the WIFI Pineapple by Darren Kitchen. Are you at risk? Absolutely! But should you worry, maybe a little, but not enough to require Prozac. Use encryption and strong passwords always, always and always! Never connect to unsecured WIFI unless you know what it is and are sure it should be where it is ie, you would be suspicious if you see a Starbucks WIFI in the middle of the Pacific Crest Trail. Always delete the free WIFI network when done with it ie Starbucks etc. Assume that bored teenager who would rather be at home playing Call of Duty could be in your campground with his laptop and is bored.
Just like the joke "you are safe from a Bear attack as long as you bring someone slower than you", try to never be the "slower" guy in the campground just in case, let that bored teenager attack some lower hanging fruit instead of you.

Wow somebody hand me a fire extinguisher!!! I did not realize trying to offer some useful info would cause so much vitriol aimed at my post.

I am glad you are happy paying Verizon an extra $20 a month for your Jetpack. My post was meant for those who primarily wish not to pay that extra fee by utilizing technology available on their PCs and cell phones.

As for your WAP2 security it is only as good as your password. If your password looks something like this 12@H00kM3UpNOW34$ then maybe you can rest easy, but if it is something like the commonly found MYWiFi or Sally'sWeb, I have an ex old friend who would love to know where you park.

I am well aware that most of our internet security is dependent on where we go, what we share, what we download, the quality of our AVP, firewall etc. and the value of all of that goes right out the window if you use public WiFi. I just don't believe in taking chances when it is not necessary. Bandwidth is costly and I don't wish to share.

Okay, I understand apples to oranges, naturist. I guess I was just wanting to know if bluetooth can *in general* attain speeds as fast as good wifi (say 12Mbps plus). Is there a good probability? Just as wifi can vary greatly, I understand so can bluetooth. But is there a chance that both can be equally fast? Or is good bluetooth pretty much always going to be slower than good wifi?

Ourhomeonwheels wrote:
Wow somebody hand me a fire extinguisher!!! I did not realize trying to offer some useful info would cause so much vitriol aimed at my post.

I am glad you are happy paying Verizon an extra $20 a month for your Jetpack. My post was meant for those who primarily wish not to pay that extra fee by utilizing technology available on their PCs and cell phones.

As for your WAP2 security it is only as good as your password. If your password looks something like this 12@H00kM3UpNOW34$ then maybe you can rest easy, but if it is something like the commonly found MYWiFi or Sally'sWeb, I have an ex old friend who would love to know where you park.

I am well aware that most of our internet security is dependent on where we go, what we share, what we download, the quality of our AVP, firewall etc. and the value of all of that goes right out the window if you use public WiFi. I just don't believe in taking chances when it is not necessary. Bandwidth is costly and I don't wish to share.

I just read the whole thread and noticed a total lack of vitriol.

You're going to pay for your internet access one way or another. You can pay using your phone, or you can pay using a hotspot. I use a hotspot because I don't own a smartphone. I don't understand you referring to saving money by using your PC. The technology available on your PC will not connect you if you don't have access to some type of data service, be it smart phone, local free wifi, or a hotspot.