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    Caution about wireless networks in public places

    Discussion in 'Windows OS and Software' started by titaniummd, Dec 24, 2005.

  1. titaniummd

    titaniummd Notebook Deity

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    As you may have read my prior post a few days ago, I was at an airport where I thought there was a wireless network. Much to my dismay, after trying to connect I get landed with Trojans and spyware rendering my IE browser obsolete and several hours of scanning with antiviru and spyware software thanks to the assistance of people from this site.

    The name of the wireless network was "Airportthru" and should be regarded with caution.

    The list of current free Wifi listings are through this link so be weary folks. I recommend checking to see if your airport or layover destinations are listed. Have a Happy Holiday, everyone.

    http://www.wififreespot.com/airport.html
     
    titaniummd, Dec 24, 2005
    #1
  2. chinna_n

    chinna_n Notebook Deity NBR Reviewer

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    Yes, I agree you got to careful which network you are using. My brother has similar experience when he used someone else network( his laptop picked that network in auto) before asking my key for my network when he came to my place. It took several hours to get rid of that spyware and Virus.

    Using firefox helps a bit, provided you use the latest version, but there may still some loop holes.
     
    chinna_n, Dec 24, 2005
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  3. nickspohn

    nickspohn Notebook Virtuoso NBR Reviewer

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    Yes, that is possible and it is true. The best thing to do would be to use Firefox since you select what gets downloaded and doesnt. Using IE in an Unsafe Network is not a good idea at all. But like said, there are loop holes elsewhere.
     
    nickspohn, Dec 24, 2005
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  4. dr_st

    dr_st Notebook Deity

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    How about a firewall?
     
    dr_st, Dec 24, 2005
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  5. Amber

    Amber Notebook Prophet NBR Reviewer

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    I think a firewall would be a better solution. It doesn't matter whether you are using IE or FF, they are still going to be problems. FF is good but its not perfect and really shouldn't be relied on as the sole defender to keeping trojans/viruses/spyware out.
     
    Amber, Dec 24, 2005
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