Online security when traveling
Mar 12, 2017, 11:56 pm
#1
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: London and Zurich
Programs: AA, BA, Mucci: Sir Roger des Directions Routières, PCR
Posts: 13,609
Online security when traveling
When at home in the UK, I check banking and other accounts with my laptop with no security problems. I don't usually use free wifi when out and about.
In South Africa for example, free wifi is everywhere - in hotels, restaurants, shops, etc. Sometimes registration is required, sometimes not. However, when I connect, I am warned that the connection is 'open' and that there is a risk of others seeing my information. One hotel even said their connection was secure in spite of the warning. I'm finding it difficult to believe them.
Some websites wouldn't let me through, including American Express and gov.uk (UK government). In spite of this, I've checked my bank account, relying on the https in the address box. Is that enough? Are there other steps I should be taking, such as installing additional software?
If I'm away for a couple of weeks, that's a long time without checking. Thanks for advice.
In South Africa for example, free wifi is everywhere - in hotels, restaurants, shops, etc. Sometimes registration is required, sometimes not. However, when I connect, I am warned that the connection is 'open' and that there is a risk of others seeing my information. One hotel even said their connection was secure in spite of the warning. I'm finding it difficult to believe them.
Some websites wouldn't let me through, including American Express and gov.uk (UK government). In spite of this, I've checked my bank account, relying on the https in the address box. Is that enough? Are there other steps I should be taking, such as installing additional software?
If I'm away for a couple of weeks, that's a long time without checking. Thanks for advice.
Mar 13, 2017, 12:44 am
#2
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: HEL
Programs: lots of shiny metal cards
Posts: 14,105
If you rbank uses one-time access codes (card/pad or generator) than the risk is minimal (IMO)
Mar 13, 2017, 12:37 pm
#3
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: ORD
Posts: 14,231
There are some existing threads:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/trave...tal-condo.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/trave...computers.html
I'll close this one now unless the OP has a new angle he'd like to discuss that isn't covered by these two threads above.
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/trave...tal-condo.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/trave...computers.html
I'll close this one now unless the OP has a new angle he'd like to discuss that isn't covered by these two threads above.