How secure is iPad when travelling?
I plan to take my WiFi only iPad 2 with me for about three weeks of travel. How secure will I be using free hotel, or Starbucks, or airport WiFi networks?
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8 replies
The iPad is as secure as the network you are using. No more, no less.
So, what I should take away from the link is that if a network is unprotected, or WEP protected, I should not use it. What do most Starbucks, libraries, hotels use?
There's no need to worry yourself over things like this, unless the information is highly confidential...
Few incidents occur where someone will actually bother to log onto a public network and then hack into others' computers/devices in order to gain access to information such as credit card numbers etc... computer viruses and trojans are much better designed for this kind of job.
If security really is a concern, consider using a VPN to access the internet after you have connected to a network.
Since I am retired I don't have to connect back to work, but I would like to be able to connect to my email server, and my bank. I just checked out Starbucks and its ATT&T network is unsecured - surprisingly to me.
If I were to connect to a secure network, how would I know what security it is using - WEP vs WPA2?
It doesn't make any difference if the WiFi network is secured or not if you are using HTTPS browser sessions. These SSL connections are encrypted regardless of whether the network is. Any web site where you are passing information which should be kept secure will use SSL (banking, credit card purchase, etc.).
However, be carefull that someone is not watching over your shoulder while you enter confidential information.
How does a banking app connect?
Most likely using SSL. Contact the App supplier for confirmation.
How secure is iPad when travelling?