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Switcher Hangout (Windows to Mac)
Firewall on Mac
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<blockquote data-quote="EvenStranger" data-source="post: 1291077" data-attributes="member: 181804"><p>Just for clarification, a firewall doesn't protect you from the most common form of data piracy - namely packet sniffing. A firewall is comparable to locking the doors and windows on your home, to prevent unauthorized entry. However, if you stand at your front door and yell to your neighbor across the street, there's nothing to prevent your next door neighbor from hearing the conversation. Same with the coffee shop - your wireless signal, if not encrypted, is being "shouted" across the room, and anyone with a mind to can capture that information in plain text. That's why firewalls are good, but they're only one piece of the security puzzle. Ideally, every coffee shop would have a password protected network, with suitable encryption. More and more are moving that way, but it's by no means universal. Be careful with passwords, only access sites with sensitive information on networks you know to be secure, and consider setting up a VPN with your office or home for better security.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="EvenStranger, post: 1291077, member: 181804"] Just for clarification, a firewall doesn't protect you from the most common form of data piracy - namely packet sniffing. A firewall is comparable to locking the doors and windows on your home, to prevent unauthorized entry. However, if you stand at your front door and yell to your neighbor across the street, there's nothing to prevent your next door neighbor from hearing the conversation. Same with the coffee shop - your wireless signal, if not encrypted, is being "shouted" across the room, and anyone with a mind to can capture that information in plain text. That's why firewalls are good, but they're only one piece of the security puzzle. Ideally, every coffee shop would have a password protected network, with suitable encryption. More and more are moving that way, but it's by no means universal. Be careful with passwords, only access sites with sensitive information on networks you know to be secure, and consider setting up a VPN with your office or home for better security. [/QUOTE]
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