At a public open Starbucks wi-fi data might be secure only between the device and the hotspot. At home data might be secure between your device and your router with WPA enabled. Once the data enters an open public unsecured link in the journey, it's vulnerable. It depends how the hotspot is connected to the internet, public open wi-fi or encrypted wi-fi or cellular internet? Generally a hotspot may provide security only for the part of the connection that it bridges. Hotspot - The "tunnel" is between your device (cell phone, PC, iPad) and the last device you control before the data exits into an unprotected public open network. It is possible to use tunnels inside other tunnels provide layers of protection. Assuming the keys are not compromised, data is vulnerable: 1) outside the tunnel 2) at the entrance and exit of the tunnel 3) people who have legitimate access inside the tunnel. Think of it as a tunnel with keys needed to lock and unlock the doors at either end. None of the technology matters if someone tricks you into revealing passwords or gets hold of your unprotected device or hacks the computers at the other end of the connection.Ī secure network connection is based on encryption. For practical purposes, there is no such thing as 100% secure because: 1) with the right resources, encryption can be broken 2) there are humans involved. The idea is to build layer upon layer of security so that in case 1 layer is compromised, data is not out in the open. It's layered like an onion and your level of protection depends on the type of risk you wish to mitigate.
The confusion you're having is that "security" is not either "on" or "off". I am not a network engineer, but I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night (the following is very simplified) Because of my lack of knowledge I'm having a bit of difficulty turning up good information on the matter. Generally when I travel I've thought (possibly erroneously) that the Apple Hotspot (iPhone) was a better and secure connection. URSnshn wrote:What is the difference between an Apple Hotspot (usb connection to device and WPA) vs a VPN? I thought they both ensured a secure connection via wifi? My concern is traveling and not having to use public wifi.
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