public internet security

[Wes Hegge]

On 5/5/07, Paul S <paulatgm at gmail.com> wrote:
>
> 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.


If that is the case then I would really suggest you look at IPCop.  Setup is
easy.  I have not worked much with the VPN though.  But the community is
really helpful.

>
> > 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,
>
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