How secure are wireless broadband modems?

[Surefire]

My new laptop has a wireless broadband modem.

Since the information is going over the airwaves, can anyone with the right equipment steal login info, bank info, etc?

Is there any encryption when wireless signals are transmitted?

My primary computer is a PC, but I do plan to use the laptop for stock transactions when I am on the road. Is this not a good idea?

 

[Garrovick]

There are a lot of technicalities. Based on where when and systems used.

But basically if you are doing any thing personal, encryption is mandatory.

I wouldn't think hot spot hopping would be very safe.

 

[USS KG5]

My new laptop has a wireless broadband modem.

I guess you mean an adapter that allows you to connect to a wireless network??

Since the information is going over the airwaves, can anyone with the right equipment steal login info, bank info, etc?

Is there any encryption when wireless signals are transmitted?

That depends on the network you connect to. There are two main different forms of Wireless Network Encryption - WEP and WPA - the latter being the more advanced, WEP having something of a bad name since it was cracked a few years ago.

On your own home wireless network you can of course secure your communications with WPA and be reasonably secure. In most circumstances WEP is still sufficient to deter casual snoopers, though serious hackers do have a way in.

When you go from wireless hotspot (an area of connectivity) to hotspot you are of course reliant on the network's configuration to stay secure. If like in most cafes, service stations and so on the security is not significant, it would be relatively easy for a moderately skilled hacker to snoop on your communications, though of course when you are using a secure website with an https prefix your communications will still be encrypted.

My primary computer is a PC, but I do plan to use the laptop for stock transactions when I am on the road. Is this not a good idea?

Bottom line - there is a small risk. As with all these things you have to balance the small risk against how much of a pain in the ass it will be for you to not use your laptop while travelling. As with most people (including myself) you may well conclude the small risk is one you have to take so you can still do business.

 

[Surefire]

To be specific, this is the wireless modem technology I am using:

http://www.dell.com/content/learnmore/learnmore.aspx?c=us&l=en&s=dhs&~id=hmc_mobro&~lt=popup&ref=CFG

 

[USS KG5]

To be specific, this is the wireless modem technology I am using:

http://www.dell.com/content/learnmore/learnmore.aspx?c=us&l=en&s=dhs&~id=hmc_mobro&~lt=popup&ref=CFG

Oh one of those! They are cool - I have just got a couple of USB versions for where I work and they are making things much easier for our remote workers.

As far as security on those goes I would imagine that the connection is relatively difficult to hack or listen in on.

Privacy would probably be more of a concern than security - for most secure transactions your communications will be securely handled by the https protocol.

I think you are probably as secure with a mobile card as you are with pretty much any other internet connection, same rules apply: -

1. Don't install or open things if you dont know what they are.
2. Keep your system and software patched and up to date.
3. Run up-to-date anti-virus and anti-spyware software.
4. Don't store personal information on your laptop in text files, word docs etc.

 

[Robert Maxwell]

A wireless broadband modem--meaning one that works on a cellular phone network--is going to be as secure as your cell phone conversations are. The phone company knows what you're up to. Joe Blow on the street will not be able to listen in. That traffic is encrypted and, as far as I know, not subject to any easy attacks. Most broadband wireless providers also update their software regularly, likely to make eavesdropping and hacking that much more difficult.

I use Sprint's wireless broadband service, myself.

 

[Surefire]

A wireless broadband modem--meaning one that works on a cellular phone network--is going to be as secure as your cell phone conversations are. The phone company knows what you're up to. Joe Blow on the street will not be able to listen in. That traffic is encrypted and, as far as I know, not subject to any easy attacks. Most broadband wireless providers also update their software regularly, likely to make eavesdropping and hacking that much more difficult.

I use Sprint's wireless broadband service, myself.

I also have Sprint.

So, it sounds like I'm generally as safe. Almost as safe as a wired line.

 

[USS KG5]

So, it sounds like I'm generally as safe. Almost as safe as a wired line.

Bottom line - yes.

 

[Mr. Laser Beam]

There are two main different forms of Wireless Network Encryption - WEP and WPA - the latter being the more advanced, WEP having something of a bad name since it was cracked a few years ago.

"Something of a bad name"...quite an understatement. WEP is pretty much useless these days. If you use WEP, you might as well be running with no encryption at all. WPA is the only way to go, really.

 

[USS KG5]

There are two main different forms of Wireless Network Encryption - WEP and WPA - the latter being the more advanced, WEP having something of a bad name since it was cracked a few years ago.

"Something of a bad name"...quite an understatement. WEP is pretty much useless these days. If you use WEP, you might as well be running with no encryption at all. WPA is the only way to go, really.

I'm English we like to understate stuff...

 

[Gaseous Anomaly]

I use Norton Internet Security and it tells me when another computer is trying to connect with mine. It gives me peace of mind knowing that I'm secure. I also have files encrypted on said laptop, always a good measure.