[smileydub]

1. Since the Mac OSX is relatively safe from viruses and spyware, would the Macs be vulnerable to outsiders hacking into the Macs through the wireless?

2. In order to connect to a public hot spot, one needs to disable the encryptions (WPA, WEP, etc) from our laptops, and there are lots of literature cautioning the use of hot spots because of this risk. Would the iBook be just as vulnerable as the Windows laptops when disabling security in order to connect to the hot spot?

Would appreciate views from the knowledgeable wireless mobile users. Thanks.

[ghporter]

As long as you do not enable file sharing to anything and everyone, you should be save. Most hotspots use equipment that keeps all the users in their own separate virtual space, so you won't be seen by others using the same hotspot. All you're doing by disabling encryption is exposing your traffic in that specific area, so it's not a problem. I personally wouldn't send any really sensitive information on any non-SSL2 connection to the site I'm looking at anyway, because it doesn't matter how public your traffic is, the SSL connection has it encrypted already.

Windows laptops are vulnerable because they're running Windows. That's it.

[Mojo]

Most hotspots use equipment that keeps all the users in their own separate virtual space, so you won't be seen by others using the same hotspot.

I would like to see some clarification of the quoted statement, since that certainly isn't my impression of most public hotspots that do not require a password or have WEP/WPA enabled. Many hotspots use the same kind of wireless gateways as average users. In most cases a significant amount of sensitive information is sent in the clear and can be intercepted with relative ease.

The best security when using a public hotspot is a Virtual Private Network or VPN. The simplest way to take advantage of this technology is to subscribe to a public VPN, such as PublicVPN.com. You can subscribe by the month for $5.95 or $59.95 per year. It is simple to configure, VPN is supported by Tiger so you don't need additional software, and it is as secure as you can get.

Once your account is set-up you can elect to subscribe only when you need the service, such as when you are traveling. Charges are based on a 30-day period, not usage. You can also use VPN at home and it will provide a level of security greater than WEP or WPA, plus you avoid some of the configuration hassles some Apple users have when using non-Apple wireless gateways.

And don't assume that public "wired" networks are more secure than wireless. A wired network in a location such as a hotel can also be used to intercept data by others connected to the network.