Network Security, Firewalls, and VPNs, 3rd Edition

Internet Café VPNs

An Internet café is a public location that sells Internet access, often by the minute. The café will often sell typical café items such as coffee and sandwiches. However, with the explosion of wireless in recent years, many eateries provide free wireless Internet access to bring in customers. For example, many coffee shop and restaurant locations provide free Wi-Fi.

The challenge when using an Internet café or even an open wireless connection at an eatery is security. Others in the local area may be able to view data in the connection unless it is encrypted. Because the majority of Internet traffic is not encrypted, attackers may be able to gain valuable information by capturing another user’s Internet use.

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