public internet security

[Paul S]

Wes Hegge said the following on 05/05/2007 11:13 AM:
> Wow,  Lots of questions and good ones too!  See below for my responses.
> 
> Can you browse the web over a VPN connection?
> 
> On 5/5/07, *Paul S* < paulatgm at gmail.com <mailto:paulatgm at gmail.com>> wrote:
> 
>     I'm an experienced linux user but new to broadband and wireless.
>     Recently I bought a wireless laptop that I can connect to public wifi
>     networks.  I read somewhere that public wifi are insecure and should not
>     be used for anything that transmits a password (even "https" websites).
>       I also read that the only way to have security at a public wifi is by
>     using a virtual private network (vpn).
> 
> 
> For public wifi sites, I use them alot but for only general web 
> surfing.  Reading my RSS feeds and such while having a drink or 
> something to eat.  I do not use the public wifi for anything else.  Any 
> wifi connection is insecure in some way.  WEP and WPA both are easy to 
> crack.  So that being said why do you need to use the public wifi for 
> more secure access?  Do you travel alot and that is one of the ways to 
> get connected?

I'm planning for an extended trip where I may only have public or hotel 
wifi access, so wanted to find a way to do it.

> 
> A VPN is a way to solve this problem.  The issue is you need something 
> on both sides to handle the VPN.  It is not real intensive so one of the 
> PC at your house could run one side of the VPN connection.
> 
>  
> 
>     I am also new to a home broadband connection.  I recently got a wired
>     broadband cable network connection (6 mbps).  I do not have a fixed ip
>     address, but it only changes when the power goes off or some other
>     disconnect occurs.  So, most of the time, it will not change.
> 
>  
> The dynamic DHCP is some what of an issue too.  You can take care of 
> that though by using something like www.noip.com <http://www.noip.com> 
> to give yourself a more permanent name.
> 
> 
> 
>     I also have a second (older slower) pc that I can connect to this
>     broadband connection at home and leave on line.
> 
> 
>   Your older PC would work great for IPCop.  IPCop is a router/firewall 
> distro that includes VPN.  The site is www.ipcop.org 
> <http://www.ipcop.org>. 
>  
> 
>     Is it possible for me to create a vpn on my home broadband pc that I can
>     connect to from my laptop whenever I'm in a public wifi?
> 
> 
> Yes
> 
>     Would I be able to browse the web over that connection? 
> 
> 
> Yes
> 
>     Is it a secure?
> 
> 
> Yes
> 
>     If you are doing this on (k)ubuntu, could you point me to a howto?
> 
> 
> I do not know of one.
> 
>     TIA

All great tips .. I'll start working on it.

Thanks again,