The Wifi would only see highly encryptd data going to the VPN server. Point. Companies use that all the time - wifi or not - on non-trusted networks. Depending on how stupid one sets it up it is very safe of cracked in minute. I personally run ALL my traffic over a VPN when not in my office. Heck, even then (mostly because all my office traffic is routed to my coputational cluster in a data center, then from there through a commercial firewall). It is quite simple then. Two step log in: * Log into Wifi * Establish VPN connection Finished. From then on all the WIFI can see is a simple non-sensical data stream. Regarding accessign your computer: dont care. Jsut amke sure you dont run totally outdated software. Current WIndows versions, including the latest version of XP (which I think is still supported) have a firewall that simply blocks all unknown incoming packets (i.e. only packets from connections you started come back in). Just dont be so stupid to turn it off. Plus regularly update and be aware of funny emails.
WoW! Very educational read - you really know your stuff. Is Comodo Internet Security / Comodo Firewall similar to the level of online wifi security you were talking about? THX
Got a VPN you like? http://download.cnet.com/Free-VPN/3000-7240_4-75445860.html http://download.cnet.com/1770-20_4-0.html?query=VPN&platform=Windows&tag=srch&searchtype=downloads https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virtual_private_network#VPNs_in_mobile_environments Would like to avoid this guy - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hqKafI7Amd8
Using non-secured public Wi-Fi hotspots can leave you vulnerable to identity theft, data theft, snooping, impersonation and malware infection. That's why so many people rely on public virtual private network services, but VPNs are no panacea. You should always check with someone who works at the establishment whose Wi-Fi you’re using to make sure that you’re using the correct hotspot; you should only send data through websites that use the more secure HTTPS protocol and you should avoid doing anything that involves financial transactions such as logging into your bank account; you should turn on your device’s firewall and run antivirus software on it; and you should turn off sharing on your smartphone and make sure that none of your passwords are stored on it. Moreover, avoid using free VPN at all as they more likely to log your activities and serve contextual ads while you're connected. They're also more likely to use your usage habits to tailor future ads to you, have fewer exit locations, and weak commitments to privacy so if logging and privacy are important to you, you may want to avoid them. Hope it could help.
Might I suggest that you look at execution platforms first and work backwards towards wi-fi security. I realize that might entail changing brokers, IMHO that's the smartest way to approach the issue. I personally am very wary of what I do with Wi-Fi, even in my own home. For example, I won't access my banking and trading accounts with my iPad. And I have the latest 5G router gadgetry.
I spend 3-4 days of the week trading at the public library, or at my college's library. I use a VPN when connected to anything on public networks. I use Private Internet Access. It's only $40/year.
OpenDNSCrypt https://www.opendns.com/about/innovations/dnscrypt/ It encrypts the "last mile". Set up your machine to use Open DNS's servers and you are away from anybody local [the people that have you logged into their hotspot rather than the one you think, the local ISP].
Dont use free wifi. Buy one of those devices get 4g lte secured at about 50 usd a month. VPNs are still vulnerable I would not rely on them.