Using a Virtual Private Network (VPN)
You've logged onto a public hotspot at some great location. This time, let's say you're connected poolside at some great hotel in a warm location. So far, all is well and good.
When you connected to the Wi-Fi hotspot provider, say T-Mobile Hotspot or Wayport, you were probably authenticated. That means you had to provide a login identification and a password, in part so that the Wi-Fi provider would know who to bill for your time online.
But beyond this authentication, there is no security at a public Wi-Fi hotspot. Transmissions are not, for the most part, encrypted. Wireless networks are inherently less secure than wireline networks because anyone can pick up the signals. Without encryption, tapping into ...
Get Absolute Beginner's Guide to Wi-Fi® Wireless Networking now with the O’Reilly learning platform.
O’Reilly members experience books, live events, courses curated by job role, and more from O’Reilly and nearly 200 top publishers.