WiFi and BT security with handhelds while travelling
 

I did some searches on this and most of the information was about 18 months or more older so I thought it would be okay to make a new post on this topic. I have been giving it considerable thought recently and wanted to ask some questions about this since I know many are quite expert in this area.

What is a reasonable amount of security on WiFi using a Palm or Windows Mobile device over WiFi? What about with a BT connection to a GPRS, EDGE or EvDO phone?

Is VPN adequate? If so what software to people use for Windows Mobile devices?

What about SSL alone or in combination with other security steps?

What about WPA security? Do people use that on handhelds with HotSpots such as TMobile?

Lots of questions but the basic one is what should you do to secure your wire communications when using a Palm or Windows Mobile device?

Any information would be appreciated. As for me, I use VPN with Palm and more and more, dont use the Windows Mobile for Wifi due to security concerns. I use either with Bluetooth to a GPRS phone, although with the Palm I also use the VPN while on the phone. Thanks for any insights.

Unfortunately you aren't likely to see WPA or WPA2 at hotspots anytime soon. That would require you have a username and password registered before beginning. Or at least a shared key. Also, few handhelds have WPA yet. It's only on laptops OS's that I've seen.

Also, most of the worlds hotspots run on access points that don't support WPA/WPA2. That is changing now, but it will take time to upgrade the whole world. ;)

A good VPN is fine. SSL and SSH are also fine.

Based on this request, is it safe to assume one of the following:

1. The launch of the transmogifier is imminent?; or,
2. You have new photos of the waitresses at Wodka?

:D

Okay, okay, okay... So I was there last week. So who would have thought that I would almost fall out of my chair from watching someone clear a table. But I mean really, it isnt that. And it has nothing to do with the fact that they messed up our reservation and although they still got us a table it wasnt a good one and they gave us all a free round of vodkas for messing up the reservation. And then in talking to me they realized I had been in before so they gave us another free round for messing up the reservations of repeat customers. And one of our group wasnt drinking so I had to drink theirs as well. Plus the ones I actually ordered. And so what if one of them kept winking at me and another kept giving me these little grins when no one else was looking.

I DIDN"T TAKE ANY PICTURES

I ******* forgot because I drank to much vodka.

Besides, I just got interested in WiFi security while standing in the Kyoto train station. Honest. ;)

So tell me again -- what's the name/address of the place that lost my reservation and offers free drinks, and even more free drinks if I've been there before? :D :D :D

In my experience VPN on a handheld when on the road is nothing but trouble, I feel perfectly comfortable using my own mailserver at home which does SPOP and Secure SMTP when it comes to email. For Web I don't bother to secure it and simply stay away from non secured pages when it comes to personal information. For example, I don't login to FT when on public WiFi.

T-mobile claim to support WEP but I have yet to try it out.

If I really need to do secure stuff I'll either VNC or Terminal Service into my home PC and work from there.

Only one round for nOObs. :D

Wodka. 12 St Albans Grove, London, W8

In all seriousness one of my favorite places in London. Modern update of Polish food. If you like Polish food you will absolutely love it. If you arent familiar with Polish food you will likely still be very pleased. Very well prepared food, very friendly people. Basically a small neighborhood restaurant in a very nice part of Kensington (okay, so that may be redundant). They have a couple other restaurants and have been quite successful and are getting some rave reviews. In addition to the food they have a huge selection of commercially available vodka plus they make their own infusions by adding fruit and such to the vodkas and letting them sit. The infusions range from sour cherry to jalepeno pepper with things like strawberry and vanilla. They have maybe 15 infusions and 20 commercial vodkas. Also, the price is right. 4 of us had 3 courses each on the last visit plus a few extra dishes, some vodkas, beer and sherry, etc (although with the exception of your narrator we didnt really drink much) for 138 pounds. While that may sound like a lot it is pretty reasonable for a sit down dinner for 4 in Kensington nowadays. It is really a great place in my experience.

Plus kcvt750 seems to think the waitresses are attractive although I dont notice that sort of thing so I really cant confirm this.

The last time I went there I hosted the Argentinian Women's Volleyball Team, so use that as your yardstick. Or, metre-stick as the case may be.

;)