Hi guys, I'm hoping someone on here can put my mind at ease. I saw a shocking news item a couple of weeks ago on how it is possible to intercept information from people using open WiFi connections in train stations, cafes or any other public area. The guy in the news item was sitting in an airport and with special software was able to intercept little packages of data from other users on the same Wifi network. Every since I've seen this I've been very paranoid. When I'm browsing the web from my laptop in Starbucks, I'm always wondering if the guy next to me is spying in on me. I don't really mind if someone can intercept data if I am only browsing some gossip blog but I am too worried to use any kind of app that requires me to give over my Credit Card details or other financial information. If I'm playing poker via wifi while I commute to work, could someone else on the train or bus be helping themselves to my personal information? I'm probably getting myself worked up over nothing but I would really appreciate if someone could reassure me about the security of these app. Thanks Jessica
Hi Jessica, I'm no IT expert but I think as long as your mobile poker room or casino is using SSL technology you should be alright.
Hi Jessica If you are on a public WiFi network and you are just browsing various news websites and blogs then it may be possible for someone sitting nearby to intercept some of the information going back and forth. However, if you are using any kind of sports betting, casino or poker app then you will be on a 128-bit Secure Socket Layer that will digitally encrypt any information flowing between your Android phone or tablet and the betting server. This makes it impossible for opportunist hackers to access any of your personal or financial information. 128-bit encryption is the Internet security standard required by banks and financial institutions so your private information should be perfectly safe. We would however recommend that you only play are reputable mobile casinos that have a proven track records for security. At AndroidBettingApps.com we only feature mobile gambling operators with A+++ ratings for security. Jamie
Thanks Jamie and Donald. That has put my mind at ease a little but I do have a quick question. How do I know when a website is using an encrypted SSL? Thanks again Jessica
Hey Jessica It's actually pretty easy to tell when a website is using data encryption because the URL will have https instead of http . So for example http://www.google.com is not secure and https://www.google.com is secure. Jamie
Thanks Jamie. It's pretty easy to see the https when I'm using a website but what do I do when I'm using an app?
If you are paranoid about using public WiFi networks, then you could use a VPN like www.getcloak.com that will automatically hide your data once you logon to a network that is not your home or work network. Prices start at $2 a month, which is probably worth it for your piece of mind if you're you are transmitting sensitive data.
Any online gambling site worth its salt uses a high level of encryption so you should have no worries playing poker using WiFi in an airport, cafe or train. If you are just browsing regular websites or newspapers then this data could be intercepted although it's unlikely to contain any sensitive information or than your browsing habits.
I read an article recently that stated it was important to use a VPN when using an open WiFi network in a cafe, airport, hotel or library. I was under the impression if the website I was using used HTTPS SSL that any communication would be encrypted. I find myself playing poker or using online bookmakers quiet often on open WiFi networks so I was wondering if anyone else has information on this?
yes, it's critical to use a secure connection like a vpn when connecting to the internet on an open network. many people use the same password for their email and their online banking so you need to be really careful even if you're just looking into check your mail.
I think it's important to stay vigilant. Over 700 iOS apps were infected by the XcodeGhost virus a few weeks ago which shows there is no room for complacency, even for iPhone and iPad users.
if you using an open wifi connection in an airport or a starbucks you should ALWAYS use a VPN to protect yourself. there are free VPN services like Hola or paid VPN's that only cost a couple of dollars of month so there is no excuse. identity theft is a big problem now and can end up costing you thousands to fix.
always have an active and up-to-date firewall and virus scan installed too. it can be annoying when your smartphone and tablet keeps prompting you to update to the latest version but there is a reason for that. most operating system updates contain lots of bug fixes that will help protect your mobile device so please do it.