Question about internet security.

[jba]

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Wireless is inherently insecure. An open network is obviously easy to intercept.

Poker sites use SSL. SSL is pretty damn hard to crack.

If I wanted to get someone's poker password I would break into thier house and put a keylogger on thier machine. *Much* simpler.

I think you'll be fine.

One option is to find the person and notify them that thier network is completely open. Show them how to put WEP encryption on it, disable the SSID broadcast and use MAC filtering. If they aren't douchebags they should be grateful enough to allow you to piggyback, at least for awhile.

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strong SSL (128 bit, pretty much standard) cannot be practically broken (theoretically it is possible but would literally take many many many CPU-years to crack). If it is ever broken trust me you will know about it, the world will probably shut down for a few days.

open wireless is insecure, but not much more than regular HTTP over, for example, a cable modem network, where your neighbors can snoop on you. You are also vulnerable to snooping from anyone who has access to any machines on the way to party poker servers. A disgruntled worldcom employee, for example.

bottom line is that SSL should be your main protection, and it's not impacted by open wireless.

[highlife]

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Poker sites use SSL. SSL is pretty damn hard to crack.

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As far as I know SSL has never been hacked. That is, the encryption has never been hacked. There has been some hacking involving certificates and websites, but that would not affect the SSL used by poker sites.

[Duerig]

Thanks for the replies everyone. Getting my own wireless isn't really an option. My roommate would be annoyed with having to split it with me (since we currently get it for free) and I wouldn't want to pay for it on my own. I don't play enough to make any significant money (yet?).

In case anyone cares, here's my plan:

I play 1/2 LHE. My bankroll is slightly over $600. I'll keep 100 BB (a few buy ins) on party and the rest in neteller or directly in my bank account. I'll transfer all the money between accounts as needed from my computer at lab (I trust my computer there). This way, all the sensitive info that I may be transmitting from home can cost me a max of 200 dollars.

I'll repost here (probably just bump this thread) if I get ripped off. Thanks again for all the advice.