[anazopyreo]

My apartment complex offers free wireless internet access so I just got a wirelss card for my PC. I have been searching the net for tips to protect myself, but all that I can find is how to protect the network.
So what I need is info on how to protect myself as a client who can't change the network settings. What risks do I face when connecting to my bank to get my balances and how do I minimize that risk?

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I don't seem to be getting any help on this one. Have I posted in the wrong place? Is the information available somewhere already? I would be more than happy to read it if I can get a link.

[anazopyreo]

I don't seem to be getting any help on this one. Have I posted in the wrong place? Is the information available somewhere already? I would be more than happy to read it if I can get a link.

[Dan]

Hi anazopyreo,

Sorry about the slow response.

Do you know if your apartments wireless has encryption setup (to stop outsiders / unauthorised users from accessing it)?

I would recommend that you do not share any files -- so, ensure that you are currently not sharing any drives / folders.

Along with this, ensure that you install, and maintain a firewall. I would highly recommend Kerio Personal Firewall, as it is free and works very well. Once you have this / a firewall installed, this will block anyone from accessing your computer in the conventional means. If you do this, your computer really should be safe within the Wireless network -- assuming, of course that you have active anti-virus and anti-spyware applications installed.

- Dan

[anazopyreo]

Dan, thanks for your response. How do I know if they have encryption setup? The people that I get to talk to don't know anything about the computers and I don't get to talk to the people that know so asking is not a real option.