Why I won’t use public FREE Wifi?

Jul 31, 2008 | Visited 812 times, 3 so far today
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FREE… Is there such thing as free lunch?

Wireless network, a Star Trek phenomenon came true. Wireless network has by far provided many consumers the convenience of accessing their favourite Internet contents while on the move. Many convenient outlets such as coffee franchisers, shopping centres, sidewalk cafes, waiting rooms, hotels, business centres, convention halls, etc, are providing convenient Free Wireless network access to their patrons, and even squatters. ;p

Internet has penetrated through many urban lifestyles and still growing strong. The use of Internet is no longer only providing research information, but has evolved to include virtual lifestyles in making communications easier. Many would commit the extra dollars they earn monthly just to get connected via their ISP.

Now, why I won’t use public FREE unsecured/secured wireless connections in shopping malls, food outlets, hang out areas, etc. You may ask, why not, its free? Being a network administrator and having myself learned about network forensics, traceability, firewall technology, proxy and most importantly in related to this topic is the transparent proxy for Web, instant messaging (IM) and pop/smtp, it has made me realise that by connecting myself to FREE wireless provider’s network, I’m pretty much giving my personal lifestyle away.

Disclaimer: I would like that point out that not all FREE wireless providers are doing the unethical practise I mention here. Some are truly just want to share their resources and keeping their customers happy.

“I wouldn’t do that if I were you”, I told my friend.
“Why?”, he asked.

“Well, you see”, I told my friend, “Once you get connected to a network, your information are required to go through a router/gateway. This router could be just a dumb router, or, if the provider choose to be “clever”, they could put in a more intelligent router, which could records your information without you knowing it. This is called transparent proxying. Each search key you typed and sent to Google or Yahoo or MSN could be recorded. (Transparent HTTP Proxy). Each non encrypted (Non-SSL) email’s being received or sent on your notebook could be read/recorded. (P3Scan). Each line of Instant message you sent to or receive from your friends could be recorded by the server. (IMInspector/Smoothwall). “, I explained.

Don’t get me wrong. Transparent proxying if done ethically is good for many users and eases many network administrators job. Before transparent proxying, each network note need to be configured with the proxy server’s address.

Why would any party want to do it? Few reasons:-

• Information is money. If enough information gathered for a certain geographical area, the information could be sold for a large sum.
• Latest chat/lifestyle information gathered could results in increased sales/cross sales.
  e.g. If there are a lady chatting on her IM with her friend about should she get another cup of latte, and all of a sudden a waiter approach the lady asking if she would like to get another cup of latte.. now would that be all too coincident?
• Illegal reasons. Passwords and banks information could be passed via email, IM or web browser.
• many more…

Don’t take my words for it, do your own research and find more info about the danger of using FREE wifi.

In conclusion, I’d would like to advise my friends to be cautious when using the Internet in public domain, be it via your own notebook or via a shared terminal in schools, universities, or shopping centres. Be smart and always choose secured https or secure POP3s connected whenever possible.

Tags: free wifi, wifi danger