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.