Reply to thread

Message

<blockquote data-quote="chscag" data-source="post: 1752827" data-attributes="member: 46727">I would say yes, the risk is high especially nowadays when everyone owns a smartphone.&nbsp; It's not uncommon to see folks hanging around Starbucks, McDonalds, and other places where WiFi is free, and you know they're not customers.&nbsp; I go to Starbucks myself but am always careful not do any sensitive accessing which could compromise my passwords or data.And yes, it's fairly easy for someone with know how to gain access to your MacBook when on public WiFi. Especially if your firewall is down and you have sharing turned on. You would be surprised how naive some folks are with their computers and smartphones not realizing how open they are to having their data stolen.&nbsp; It's OK to use public WiFi but always be aware.&nbsp; If you frequent places where public WiFi access is available, you should be using a VPN (virtual private network).&nbsp; Go to Wikipedia and look that up and see if it's something you need.&nbsp; <img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite2" alt=";)" title="Wink&nbsp; &nbsp; ;)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=";)" /></blockquote>

[QUOTE="chscag, post: 1752827, member: 46727"] I would say yes, the risk is high especially nowadays when everyone owns a smartphone. It's not uncommon to see folks hanging around Starbucks, McDonalds, and other places where WiFi is free, and you know they're not customers. I go to Starbucks myself but am always careful not do any sensitive accessing which could compromise my passwords or data. And yes, it's fairly easy for someone with know how to gain access to your MacBook when on public WiFi. Especially if your firewall is down and you have sharing turned on. You would be surprised how naive some folks are with their computers and smartphones not realizing how open they are to having their data stolen. It's OK to use public WiFi but always be aware. If you frequent places where public WiFi access is available, you should be using a VPN (virtual private network). Go to Wikipedia and look that up and see if it's something you need. ;) [/QUOTE]

Verification

Name this item. 🍎