| Most people take for granted the security of their | | | | your messages and reply to some of them. The |
| computers connection to the outside world. And in | | | | best method in this case is to refrain from using |
| many homes and offices this is a reasonably good | | | | your usual email client program (such as Outlook, |
| assumption. But, things do change when someone, | | | | Eudora, etc.) and instead use your internet |
| armed with a laptop computer and a wireless | | | | provider's Webmail application. These web based |
| "WIFI" connection ability visits a local public | | | | applications will allow you to access your own |
| "hotspot", perhaps at the local coffee shop. | | | | email accounts without using a resident client |
| These type of locations are rapidly growing and | | | | program. They are usually provided with each |
| provide temporary internet connections to visitors | | | | internet service and almost always operate under |
| through wireless devices called routers. They | | | | a SSL (secure sockets layer) secured connection. |
| offer a convenient way to use your own | | | | This means that the connection provided is |
| computer with the internet at little cost to the | | | | encrypted and is much more secure. So, if your |
| service owner. These wireless connections, since | | | | connection is being taped, monitored or recorded, |
| they are "public", are not configured with the | | | | the content others will be capturing is fully |
| security and encryption protection that a normal | | | | encrypted. Much safer indeed. |
| private network should have. | | | | On the other hand, if you are wanting to access |
| In these locations, it is possible for anyone with | | | | another application that requires you to provide a |
| minimal hardware and software to eavesdrop on | | | | username and password and that application does |
| any of the wireless broadcasts that are taking | | | | not use a SSL connection, be aware you may be |
| place. And since there is little or no network | | | | handing your username and password to |
| security, usernames and passwords can be easily | | | | someone else. You can verify that you are on a |
| stolen. | | | | SSL secured connection by the small padlock |
| What is one to do then? Maybe you want to get | | | | symbol shown by your browser. |
| your email, relax and have a cup of coffee, read | | | | |