Laptop and hotel internet access.. security precautions?

[Mooncalf]

I have a laptop that I'm planning on using for an extended period at a hotel (unknown at this time which). Up to now it has functioned basically as a desktop and is currently setup for dial-up access.

Are there any specific precautions I should take when using it on a hotels network?

I'm assuming it will be a wired network access since I don't have a wireless network card so is it as simple as adding a new network connection using the username/password they give me or should I take steps to protect my files/privacy from others on that network?

Currently I am just using the free Zone Alarm firewall, a host file, and scan for spyware from time to time. Is that enough or is there some setting I should change to make sure someone else on the network can't get any of my password when logging into sites like banking, credit card, etc as well as to make sure someone doesn't have free reign over my personal files (disable file and printer sharing, use a password on my account)?

 

[CrispyFried]

As long as ZA is configured correctly (like nothing in the Firewall -> Zones except your adapter) you should be OK as far as anyone getting access to your comp. Be aware that they could probably monitor what sites you visit and anything you send out.

 

[Mooncalf]

Originally posted by: CrispyFried
anything you send out.

Can you clarify what that statement means exactly?

Does it mean any site I log into that someone could get my username/passwords? I don't care if they see what site I visit but I'd want to secure passwords (although I assume anything with a secure connection would be fine like bank, credit card sites but what about everything else).

 

[Mooncalf]

Originally posted by: Mooncalf

Originally posted by: CrispyFried
anything you send out.

Can you clarify what that statement means exactly?

Does it mean any site I log into that someone could get my username/passwords? I don't care if they see what site I visit but I'd want to secure passwords (although I assume anything with a secure connection would be fine like bank, credit card sites but what about everything else).

I'd appreciate a reply on the above quoted question if someone reading can provide one.

Thanks.

 

[Schadenfroh]

Originally posted by: Mooncalf

Originally posted by: Mooncalf

Originally posted by: CrispyFried
anything you send out.

Can you clarify what that statement means exactly?

Does it mean any site I log into that someone could get my username/passwords? I don't care if they see what site I visit but I'd want to secure passwords (although I assume anything with a secure connection would be fine like bank, credit card sites but what about everything else).

I'd appreciate a reply on the above quoted question if someone reading can provide one.

Thanks.

Any files that you email, FTP, or P2P out on their connection can be monitored by the people's connection that you use. You can enter data safely enough if it is a secure connection.

 

[Mooncalf]

What do I do about visiting sites were I'd be logged in automatically but transmit the username/passwords unsecurely (such as here, Gmail, Yahoo fantasy teams and the like)?

Do I need to make sure I don't access them, taking a risk if I do, or something I can do to still access them but do so without running the risk of getting my usernames/passwords hijacked?

 

[blemoine]

here are some security precautions that you should take since you will be using a public network.

1. Disable the "guest" account and any other unused accounts
2. Disable Unused services. IE: ftp services
3. Unshare folders.
4. Only use user accounts with "admin" rights when performing an admin duty. create a basic user account to surf the internet with.


as far as email goes. it will be no more unsecure than if you were at the office surfing the internet. if it is a secure connection (like online banking) then your pretty safe. your bank has gone to the extra steps to make sure that your secured. being secure is mostly common sense.