Public wifi security

[Bruce39]

It's my understanding that the danger of using public wifi is the "bad guys" can intercept your communications but can't install any malware. If you only go to web sites (weather channel, news sites or other sites that may require passwords but you don't care if anyone else knows) is there any danger or should you use a vpn? Any time I allow data (either wifi or mobile) email apps will update with new email. Can email passwords also be compromised?
Can the "bad guys) also read incomming data?

 

[srkmagnus]

It's my understanding that the danger of using public wifi is the "bad guys" can intercept your communications but can't install any malware. If you only go to web sites (weather channel, news sites or other sites that may require passwords but you don't care if anyone else knows) is there any danger or should you use a vpn? Any time I allow data (either wifi or mobile) email apps will update with new email. Can email passwords also be compromised?
Can the "bad guys) also read incomming data?

My rule of thumb is that if there's anything you are viewing, or entering, that you don't want anyone else to know, then don't do it over a public network system unless you are taking the necessary means to protect yourself.

Everything and anything can be viewed.

 

[goin_nil]

Apps sync in the background and may send sensitive data when they do so. Even if you don't launch an app, they may be at work sending/receiving data without you knowing.

 

[cherrybean]

Yes, but for me. I always like to view some websites, check my E-mail over public Wi-Fi. How do we prevent from 'bad guys' invading my handset?

 

[Bruce39]

If you use public wifi much, I would get a VPN, which encripts all data to & from the wifi. There are many VPN's on Play Store.

 

[cherrybean]

If you use public wifi much, I would get a VPN, which encripts all data to & from the wifi. There are many VPN's on Play Store.

Thanks a million, buddy. Gonna try next time