Is there anything I can do to browse securely at a coffeeshop?

[oxband]

I dont have internet at home, so I typically go to a coffeeshop to take care of things I need to do. I realize this is an timebomb waiting to go off when someone hacks into my bank account.

So, is there anything I can do to browse all personal sites securely from a public network? Does a VPN do anything to help?

 

[miles01110]

Yes, use a VPN that provides some encryption.

 

[oxband]

is there a service you'd recommend? if i use it while browsing, ill be safe?

 

[kot]

I recommend kebrum.com
They are reasonable prices and fast speeds. I use them when travelling (public hotstops and the like)

 

[GGJstudios]

Googling reveals a few free services, including proXPN and Hotspot Shield, but I can't personally vouch for them.

 

[Mr. Retrofire]

I dont have internet at home, so I typically go to a coffeeshop to take care of things I need to do. I realize this is an timebomb waiting to go off when someone hacks into my bank account.

So, is there anything I can do to browse all personal sites securely from a public network? Does a VPN do anything to help?

Just use SSL (HTTPS) for E-mail/online banking et cetera. This is like a VPN between your machine and the E-mail provider or bank server.

 

[oxband]

How can I set up my browser to go SSL for certain sites?

 

[GGJstudios]

How can I set up my browser to go SSL for certain sites?

It depends on the site. You can't force a site to use SSL if it's not already using it.

 

[Mr. Retrofire]

You can't force a site to use SSL if it's not already using it.

You can:
http://windowsteamblog.com/windows_...roves-with-full-session-https-encryption.aspx

 

[GGJstudios]

You can:
http://windowsteamblog.com/windows_...roves-with-full-session-https-encryption.aspx

That is provided by the site. If the site doesn't make that an option, the user can't force that capability.