Question about public networks

StarSong

StarSong

Awkward is my Superpower
Location
Los Angeles Suburbs
There are times when I use networks provided by campgrounds when out in our RV. Before connecting they often show a warning similar to this:
"Other people might be able to see info you send over this network."

I've looked it up but am not fully clear what that means. Can someone reflect my what my computer is showing on their own computer? Can they hack my passwords as I type them in? (I don't go into banking or financial sites without setting up a .private network hot spot using my phone and USB cable to my computer.)

@David777 and other computer gurus, can you explain what the dangers are?

Thanks in advance.
 

As long as you are connected to an https:// web site using TLS protocol, which shows the little padlock on the site information window, you are perfectly safe doing so even on a 'public' network. This is because all the information is encrypted between your web browser and the web server on the other end. The encryption used in TLS, like its predecessor SSL, has never been hacked.
 
sch404 said:
As long as you are connected to an https:// web site using TLS protocol, which shows the little padlock on the site information window, you are perfectly safe doing so even on a 'public' network. This is because all the information is encrypted between your web browser and the web server on the other end. The encryption used in TLS, like its predecessor SSL, has never been hacked.
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That is extremely helpful information. Thank you for taking the time to advise me.
 

A WF connection sends a signal "through the air" like a TV or radio signal, not a direct connect. So the warning is correct, imo. Now there may be devices to help stop an interception by a WF spy? A home connection WF is different though as far as a loose signal.
 
@sch404 had good advise about using HTTPS only, but that isn't possible with all websites.
And if you go to many sites that work with HTTP only, you could consider using a VPN client.
But be careful choosing a VPN as some of them are "dodgy" too.

I would also turn off file sharing and any setting that "Allow me to be discovered".

Maybe I wouldn't download and install any new software or patches on a public network either.
 
Just to add, I think most public networks are pretty safe, especially those run by large companies.
I might worry about one in a bar and smaller individual enterprises for example ... maybe.
But how often have you heard horror stories about or seen a post, "I was on a public network and this happened, ..."
I don't think I've ever seen anyone post a really bad computer experience while on a public network.
... except complaining about how slow it was or something. But ya never know, right.
 
When online while camping I tend to stick to news sites like national newspapers and magazines where I have subscriptions, this site and email. All are https (I just checked).

I never upload or download while away from my home computer (hooked up via ethernet with wifi set on airplane).

None of my computers/laptops or other devices allow sharing or networking.
 
If https:// protocol is used it doesn't matter where the signal goes, who listens to the signal, or what networks are used to transmit the signal from your computer's web browser to the recipient's web server, the signal is fully encrypted the whole entire way. Moreover, it is encrypted so strongly that hacking into it is simply impossible. BTW most modern web browsers like Chrome don't even allow access anymore to standard HTTP protocol. Accessing an HTTP site with a modern web browser usually requires clicking past various warning messages. Anyone still using HTTP protocol is either woefully behind the times technologically or someone who simply doesn't give a damn about web security.
 
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StarSong said:
There are times when I use networks provided by campgrounds when out in our RV. Before connecting they often show a warning similar to this:
"Other people might be able to see info you send over this network."

I've looked it up but am not fully clear what that means. Can someone reflect my what my computer is showing on their own computer? Can they hack my passwords as I type them in? (I don't go into banking or financial sites without setting up a .private network hot spot using my phone and USB cable to my computer.)

@David777 and other computer gurus, can you explain what the dangers are?

Thanks in advance.
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Anything you do on public wifi puts you in danger. Man in the Middle attacks are quite common. This happens when traffic is intercepted between a user’s device and the destination by making the users device think the hacker’s machine is the access point to the internet. Evil Twin attacks are another method hackers use. You connect to a public wifi and think you are on a "safe network" but really you are connected to the cybercriminals network. Anything you do on your computer on a public network is open to hackers. It's not about the safety of a particular website. Hackers intercept your data through the connection.
 
s76l42 said:
Anything you do on public wifi puts you in danger. Man in the Middle attacks are quite common. This happens when traffic is intercepted between a user’s device and the destination by making the users device think the hacker’s machine is the access point to the internet. Evil Twin attacks are another method hackers use. You connect to a public wifi and think you are on a "safe network" but really you are connected to the cybercriminals network. Anything you do on your computer on a public network is open to hackers. It's not about the safety of a particular website. Hackers intercept your data through the connection.
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So do you never use public wifi?
 
You might look at the below. Because the war against malware hacking is continually evolving, it is difficult to state with certainty the current state of security. However, cybercrooks gaining some advantage in this more web mature Internet are unlikely to be doing so against small time consumers and rather are doing so against financial services and governments. That is why I that has little interest in keeping current with all the telecom security technical mumbo jumbo, don't tend to use unknown public wifi for any financial transactions beyond credit card use for say reserving lodging and usual business services. If cybercrooks began doing so on say a public wifi at a retail store or supermarket, it would be game over for them quickly.

I had $20k stolen from a BofA checking account because some hackers in a state I never visit or have financial transactions with had my check routing numbers likely from dark web sources then used interbank transfer processes to directly access my account. Normally I never have more than about $15k in my checking account but at the time had received a large check I didn't quickly move to my more secure savings account. BofA immediately replaced those funds and gave me new accounts.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Man-in-the-middle_attack
 
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