Tips for Using Public Wi-Fi Networks

consumer.ftc.gov

Wi-Fi hotspots in coffee shops, libraries, airports, hotels, universities, and other public places are convenient, but often they’re not secure. If you connect to a Wi-Fi network, and send information through websites or mobile apps, it might be accessed by someone else.
To protect your information when using wireless hotspots, send information only to sites that are fully encrypted, and avoid using mobile apps that require personal or financial information.

How Encryption Works

Encryption is the key to keeping your personal information secure online. Encryption scrambles the information you send over the internet into a code so it’s not accessible to others. When you’re using wireless networks, it’s best to send personal information only if it’s encrypted — either by an encrypted website or a secure Wi-Fi network. An encrypted website protects only the information you send to and from that site. A secure wireless network encrypts all the information you send using that network.

How to Tell If a Website is Encrypted

If you send email, share digital photos and videos, use social networks, or bank online, you’re sending personal information over the internet. The information you share is stored on a server — a powerful computer that collects and delivers content. Many websites, like banking sites, use encryption to protect your information as it travels from your computer to their server.

To determine if a website is encrypted, look for https at the start of the web address (the “s” is for secure). Some websites use encryption only on the sign-in page, but if any part of your session isn’t encrypted, your entire account could be vulnerable. Look for https on every page you visit, not just when you sign in.

What About Mobile Apps?

Unlike websites, mobile apps don’t have a visible indicator like https. Researchers have found that many mobile apps don’t encrypt information properly, so it’s a bad idea to use certain types of mobile apps on unsecured Wi-Fi. If you plan to use a mobile app to conduct sensitive transactions — like filing your taxes, shopping with a credit card, or accessing your bank account ­— use a secure wireless network or your phone’s data network (often referred to as 3G or 4G).

If you must use an unsecured wireless network for transactions, use the company’s mobile website — where you can check for the https at the start of the web address — rather than the company’s mobile app.

Don’t Assume a Wi-Fi Hotspot is Secure

Most Wi-Fi hotspots don’t encrypt the information you send over the internet and aren’t secure. In fact, if a network doesn’t require a WPA or WPA2 password, it’s probably not secure.

If you use an unsecured network to log in to an unencrypted site — or a site that uses encryption only on the sign-in page — other users on the network can see what you see and what you send. They could hijack your session and log in as you. New hacking tools — available for free online — make this easy, even for users with limited technical know-how. Your personal information, private documents, contacts, family photos, and even your login credentials could be up for grabs.

An imposter could use your account to impersonate you and scam people in your contact lists. In addition, a hacker could test your username and password to try to gain access to other websites – including sites that store your financial information.

Protect Your Information When Using Public Wi-Fi

Here’s how you can protect your information when using Wi-Fi:

• When using a hotspot, log in or send personal information only to websites you know are fully encrypted. To be secure, your entire visit to each site should be encrypted – from the time you log in to the site until you log out. If you think you’re logged in to an encrypted site but find yourself on an unencrypted page, log out right away.
• Don’t stay permanently signed in to accounts. When you’ve finished using an account, log out.
• Do not use the same password on different websites. It could give someone who gains access to one of your accounts access to many of your accounts.
• Many web browsers alert users who try to visit fraudulent websites or download malicious programs. Pay attention to these warnings, and keep your browser and security software up-to-date.
• Consider changing the settings on your mobile device so it doesn’t automatically connect to nearby Wi-Fi. That way, you have more control over when and how your device uses public Wi-Fi.
• If you regularly access online accounts through Wi-Fi hotspots, use a virtual private network (VPN). VPNs encrypt traffic between your computer and the internet, even on unsecured networks. You can get a personal VPN account from a VPN service provider. In addition, some organizations create VPNs to provide secure, remote access for their employees. What’s more, VPN options are available for mobile devices; they can encrypt information you send through mobile apps.
• Some Wi-Fi networks use encryption: WEP and WPA are common, but they might not protect you against all hacking programs. WPA2 is the strongest.
• Installing browser add-ons or plug-ins can help. For example, Force-TLS and HTTPS-Everywhere are free Firefox add-ons that force the browser to use encryption on popular websites that usually aren't encrypted. They don’t protect you on all websites — look for https in the URL to know a site is secure.
• Take steps to secure your home wireless network.

5 Great Road-Trip Apps

travelandleisure.com

By Tom Samiljan

Planning a summer drive? These five tools—vetted by T+L tech correspondent Tom Samiljan—will help you make the most of every mile.

FOR ON-ROAD ENTERTAINMENT TUNE IN RADIO You’re unlikely to get playlist fatigue listening to the app’s 100,000-plus radio stations from all over the world, but if you do, Tune In also offers streaming access to an inexhaustible number of concerts, podcasts, and talk shows on a clean, user-friendly interface. From NPR news updates to local traffic alerts and sports scores, this all-purpose radio app delivers in spades.(Free; Android, Blackberry, iOS, Windows Phone)

FOR GPS (AND MORE) SCOUT This app by mapping giant Telenav may be the most practical tool for road trippers: it finds the cheapest gas stations, dictates turn-by-turn directions at your request, and provides personalized recommendations (restaurants, hotels, even local concerts or events) along any multi-leg route. Bonus: the Arrival Guide feature (iOS only) points out the best parking options near your destination. (Free; Android, iOS)

FOR ITINERARY SUGGESTIONS GREATEST DRIVE Still charting the course of your drive? This app suggests the best road-trip itineraries nearby, annotating each with a summary, star rating, and user reviews. (It’ll also tell you whether a road is twisty, scenic, or likely to be traffic-plagued.) Can’t find what you’re looking for? Integration with Yelp helps you pick places to eat and things to see along the way. (Free; Android, iOS)

FOR HANDS-FREE SHARING GLYMPSE Texting and driving isn’t just dangerous—in most states, it’s illegal. That’s why Glympse, which automatically relays your GPS location to family and friends, is invaluable when you’re sticking to a schedule. Your information is sent only to predetermined contacts in your phone book, for select windows of time—making it easy to keep your eyes on the road. (Free; Android, iOS)

FOR QUIRKY ATTRACTIONS ROADSIDE AMERICA If you’re driving cross-country just for kicks, you might like to see Pittsburgh’s Robot Hall of Fame, or the world’s largest collection of teapots, in Trenton, Tennessee. The app also sheds light on the idiOSyncrasies of beloved attractions (historical monuments; parks; sports arenas)—10,000 venues in all. (From $2.99; iOS)

AUTO CONNECTION Thanks to new connected-car technology, your favorite mobile apps are now being optimized for in-dash touch screens. Carmakers from GM to Audi are introducing built-in apps, while initiatives by Apple (CarPlay) and the Android-focused Open Automotive Alliance are being integrated into select Mercedes-Benz, Honda, and Volvo models, among others. What to expect: voice-activated Web search, OpenTable reservations booked from your car, and maps showing how far you can go at current gas levels.

TECH WATCH Meet the next generation of public Wi-Fi: Hotspot 2.0. These secure networks offer an automatic connection—simply walk within range and voilà, you’re online. Boingo subscribers can find them at 23 major U.S. airports; access is also available for Time Warner Cable customers coast-to-coast.

Best Apps for Organizing Travel Information

travelandleisure.com

By Tom Samiljan

Keeping track of your itinerary details, loyalty programs, and reservations can be a headache without the right tools. T+L takes a look at the best apps.

Worldmate Gold: Wish all of your travel details would show up on your phone’s calendar? WorldMate’s premium app will make it happen—whether you use Google, iCal, or Outlook. It can sync flight schedules, restaurant reservations, apartment rentals, and more—and if you add a hotel booking, the app will automatically try to find you a better price. Also handy: built-in weather forecasts that appear alongside your appointments. ($9.99 per year; Android, iOS, Windows Phone)

Kayak: Not surprisingly, the site that does it all has an app to match. In addition to the usual perks, such as automatic itinerary updates and flight-delay notifications, you’ll get access to dozens of features that allow you to book an entire vacation in just a few quick taps. You can search for airfares, find hotels, and even book rental cars. The only thing missing? A loyalty-points tracker. (Free; Android, iOS, Kindle, Windows Phone)

TripCase: This business-minded trip manager stores your entire itinerary (down to your meals) and makes updates in real time, whether you’re inputting changes on the go or someone back at the office is doing it for you (travel agents included). Family and friends can receive updates when your flight lands or gets delayed; what’s more, a new partnership with discount provider Deem Offers delivers deals for nearby restaurants and hot spots. (Free; Android, iOS)

TripIt Pro: TripIt used to be best when used on the Web, but these days, its app is truly impressive. The most time-sensitive details show up front and center on the app’s home screen, whether it’s flight updates as you’re heading to the airport or directions to your hotel once you’ve landed. Splurge on the Pro version—it’s worth the money. It includes the most comprehensive loyalty-points tracker around, as well as Seat Tracker, which allows you to request a block of up to four seats on any flight. ($49 per year; Android, iOS, Windows Phone)

Tips About Traveling Internationally With Your iPhone

idownloadblog.com

By Sébastien Page, Apr 23, 2009

This morning I received an email from one of our readers, asking me how the iPhone works when traveling internationally.

If I travel to Costa Rica can I use my iPhone there? Do I have to get a special SIM card – or is it like when you go to Europe and it just “works” without doing anything? Also, is it free to e-mail pics using Wi-fi if I am connected there? Gracias!

You don’t need a special SIM card to use your iPhone outside of the US. Straight off the plane, your iPhone will work anywhere there is coverage, since AT&T has partnerships with carriers in pretty much every country. Your iPhone will automatically pick up the local carrier and you will be able to receive/make calls, and send text messages. Same for data (Edge or 3G). It will work as well without you having to do anything, assuming that you have Edge or 3G service where you are.

The Costs Of Phone Calls And Text Messages Outside The US

Now be really careful because making calls from outside the US is very expensive. Even more expensive is the use of the data for Internet connection. Depending on where you are in the world, a one minute phone call can cost you between $1 and $5. Text messages are a little more affordable and it will only cost you $0.50 to send a text message. Received text messages are deducted from your monthly domestic data plan.

AT&T has a nice little tool that lets you see how much it will cost you to make calls depending on what countries you’re visiting. I suggest you have a look at it.

Unfortunately, I couldn’t find pricing about international data roaming but I know for sure it is very expensive…

What To Do To Avoid Being Charged Extra

To make sure you don’t go over budget, you have several options:

First thing you can do is to put your iPhone in airplane mode. This is not the recommended option as it will pretty much turn your iPhone into an iPod Touch. You will not be able to make/receive calls and you will have no access to the internet whatsoever. This is a solution recommended for people who are paranoid about their iPhone usage abroad and want to make sure they will not spend a dime on extra charges.

My recommendation is to turn off data roaming in your iPhone settings (Settings>General>Network>Data Roaming). It is Off by default but you want to check to make sure you don’t get a $4,286 bill next month. Turning data roaming off will pretty much shut down your internet access via Edge and 3G. You will still be able to get internet through wifi if you have it in your hotel for example. My iPhone being jailbroken, I use a great application called BossPrefs that lets me choose individually what I want to turn off.

If you don’t want to make calls from abroad and you just want to check your emails and update your Facebook status from time to time, the best thing to do is to look for wifi. Most hotels and airports offer wireless Internet and using your iPhone over wifi won’t cost you anything at all. If you have Skype or Fring installed on your iPhone, then use those apps over wifi to make international calls. This is clearly the best way to make cheap calls from abroad.

AT&T International Data And Voice Packages

If you’re going to need an international data plan, the best solution is to call AT&T at 800-331-0500 and get an International Data Package which will significantly reduce the cost of using data abroad. The 20 MB package is $24.99 per month, the 50 MB package is $59.99 per month, 100 MB package is $119.99 per month, and the 200 MB package is $199.99 per month. If you’re going to use any of these packages, make sure you reset your iPhone data tracker to 0 (Settings>General>Usage>Reset). This will enable you to track your estimated data usage. More information about International Data Packages can be found here.

If you know you will need to make calls from abroad, again, the best solution is to call AT&T at 800-331-0500 and to get the AT&T World Traveler package. This package is only $5.99/month extra and works in over 200 countries. This add-on will get you discounted roaming rates in over 85 of those countries. Click here to see a list of calling rates by country.

I think we took everything into consideration. If in doubt, please call AT&T to talk to a rep and have a clear idea of what you’re getting into when using your iPhone abroad.

Best Travel Apps for Packing

DAVID CLEVELAND/CORBIS

ByJON CHASEcntraveler.com

2:30 PM, APRIL 22 2014

We’ve made the transition to digital travel planning, all but for the humble checklist—a dashed-off reminder on a scrap of paper to pack our toothbrush or cell phone charger. We could fill a suitcase with those well-intentioned (but often failed) attempts to plan ahead. If only we had some packing assistance...

Wouldn’t you know it: There’s an app for that.

Packing Pro, $2.99

Packing Pro is a Type-A dream: a comprehensive list-making tool that helps you pull together the necessities by category. Check off the essentials (passport, cash, etc.), clothing, accessories, toiletries; you can also customize categories and make listswithin lists (ooh). It may seem fussy, but anyone who travels extensively for business—or manages logistics for a large family trip—will fall for it instantly.

Stylebook, $3.99

Strictly for fashion plates, Stylebook is both a virtual stylist and closet organizer. The setup can be grueling—you have to snap photos of each item in your wardrobe—but once done, the fun begins. Page through categories of clothing (footwear, tops, pants), plan and name outfits, use a calendar to schedule what you’ll wear, and, of course, create a packing list without having to open a closet. Being able to sort through seasonally appropriate items without digging through old boxes is a godsend. And the beauty is that, as with a playlist shuffle, you’ll rediscover hidden treasures over time.

Things, $9.99

Presumably inspired by efficiency bible Getting Things Done (though not affiliated with its author, productivity consultant David Allen), Things is a life-management app that, if used religiously, happens to be fantastic for travel tasks as well. The app sorts the various to-do lists of life—work, home, family, hobby, health—and the actions required to accomplish each. It also syncs over the cloud with desktop and tablet versions, so the system doesn't fall apart when you switch to a different device. The cult-like followers of GTD swear by it; the rub, as always, is sticking to the system.

Springpad, free

As with Things, Springpad isn't a dedicated travel app, per se, but happens to be perfectly suited to the task. Login via smartphone, tablet, or computer and create your notebooks; there can be one for travel, or maybe one for recipes, or books to read, or home renovation tips. Within your travel notebook you can add a packing checklist, complete with tags for easy searching or sorting, and then share the list with others. Springpad is polished and intuitive to use. The ability to build Pinterest-style collections of notebooks may not appeal to everyone, but those looking for a versatile checklist app will find it extremely useful.

Travel Technology: How Has Technology Changed Travel

nonstoptravels.com
October 15, 2013 by Tianna Gratta 

About 12 years ago I started traveling.

When I packed my bags and made a list of the things I would need when I was away to entertain myself and continue to write the list was very short. I had a discman (you know what existed before iPods) a journal and a book.

Travel technology

As I am packing for my most recent trip and organizing all the things I will need to write and function while away I see how much times have changed. Let’s talk travel technology.

Now I still refuse to own a Kindle or Nook.

 

I will read books until the last one is printed. However I have finally updated from pencil and paper. Realizing it can make my life easier and I can work from anywhere I bought a tablet, a Motorolla Xyboard, which I love. Having a laptop is great and when I am home I pretty much only use it. However when traveling it makes much more sense to take a tablet. It is slender and lite weight. I can fit it in my bag, there is no way I can do that with my laptop. I even bought a blue tooth keyboard which is just as small and lite as the tablet. I still bring my journal for note keeping and thoughts but when I need to sit down and write an article I have my tablet.

Bringing my music with me.

Travel technology

Like I brought up before I used to carry a disc man. I had a small case of CD’s to bring with me. That was my music selection. Now I have a unlimited music supply. My iPod holds more songs then I can even listen to when I am away. Not only do I never have to repeat a song I can fit my iPod in my back pocket.

Snapping pics along the way.

 

 Travel technology

Along with all these gadgets, I recently acquired a brand new Samsung camera. My old camera is wonderful but I have dropped it so many times the casing is all broken off and you can literally see the inside. At this point it is,sadly, time to retire it. The best part of this new camera? It has a front screen! Here’s to taking awesome selfies in front of the Eiffel Tower. And I remember when it was normal to have one of those throwaway cameras that you had to crank.

 

The age of apps.

 

However the most important thing for travel bloggers comes not as a device but simply as apps. To think I traveled with out these for so many years. I have been using Twitter and Facebook for some time and both have proved to be great when trying to keep in touch when I was away. Now I have Instagram and Vine. It used to be no one knew where I was when I was away now people can literally follow every picture I take and move I make. I have decided to try to take vine video for this upcoming trip and incorporate it in to a few future blog posts. I want to experiment with how it can bring the trip to life for people who have not gone. As instagram will surely help people follow me as I move around as well.

After looking at all this new technology I wonder what they will come up with next and how it will change travel for me again.