How could I improve my internet security?

The wi-fi network in my accommodation is an open one, and I am rather concerned about my internet security. Would other people using the same network be able to intercept the data my computer sends and receives? Is there a way to check? The network has to stay as open, but are there ways to improve my internet security? Many thanks.

 

Which, presumably, has no password or authentication to use?

Yes.

To start, see http://www.microsoft.com/en-gb/security/online-privacy/home-wireless.aspx
and http://www.microsoft.com/en-gb/security/default.aspx

You may be able to set-up a VPN to the internet that encrypts your traffic. Network tools and software can be found here: http://www.majorgeeks.com/mg/sortname/networking.html

 

You should tell us what security software you use and which firewall you use

Have a look at Comodo Firewall (free)
http://www.majorgeeks.com/files/details/comodo_personal_firewall.html

If you install Comodo Firewall then go to
- Firewall tab
- Firewall Behavior Settings
- Alert Settings tab
- Un-tick This computer is an internet connection gateway (i.e. an ICS Server)
Read the details @
http://help.comodo.com/topic-72-1-284-3023-Alert-Settings.html

When you connect to the wifi a window will pop up asking if you are at Home, Work or Public Place. Select I am at a Public Place
Read the details @
http://help.comodo.com/topic-72-1-284-3022-General-Settings.html

You can also use Comodo Secure DNS (free) if you want.
Read about it @
http://securedns.dns.com/
How to connect to Comodo Secure DNS @
http://securedns.dns.com/windows/

 

I would dedicate that network for your "guests" and use a different network for your internal machines. A true firewall.

 

Many thanks for your replies. Now I am using Comodo Firewall, Avira Antivirus and Windows Defender.

Hi MadMal, I would like to "Un-tick This computer is an internet connection gateway (i.e. an ICS Server)", but can only find the Firewall Settings tab, and there is no Un-tick This computer is an internet connection gateway (i.e. an ICS Server) option?????

 

I also tried the Comodo Secure DNS, but with that I could not connect to any web pages apart from my home page???

 

Comodo Secure DNS should not behave that way.

However, there is another similar service, OpenDNS, that is very widely used.
I have been using OpenDNS for about two years.

OpenDNS Security Features
Introduction to Configuring OpenDNS

Introduction to Web Content Filtering and Security
Adjusting Web Content Filtering

You will probably have to install the OpenDNS Updater which then loads automatically at boot time, and also works automatically.
Dynamic IP: Windows Updater Documentation

 

I use the full Comodo Internet Security suite so I have more than one tab.
On the Firewall tab there should be Firewall Behavior Settings click on that. See the image below

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Then click on the Alert Settings tab at the top of the page. See the image below
There you should see This computer is an internet connection gateway (i.e. an ICS Server) which is ticked by default, un-tick the checkbox. See the image beow

By the way, at the bottom of those Comodo settings pages you will see a link What do these settings do ? If you have internet connection and click on that link it will take you to the relevant Comodo help page. See the image below

​

Also on the Firewall tab there is Stealth Ports Wizard click on that. See first image
Click on Block all incoming connections and make my ports stealth for everyone

Read more info @
http://help.comodo.com/topic-72-1-284-2973-Stealth-Ports-Wizard.html

Sorry, I don't know why that would be happening

 

firewall is best to provide internet security.It prevents unauthorised and unsecure communication between communication network and computer.

 

Thanks a lot. I have found the Stealth Ports option, though the Firewall Behavior Settings tab is still nowhere to be seen. Maybe this is not available in the free firewall version?

I am also given the choice of joining TrustConnect. Would this be a good idea?

 

I use the free version of Comodo Internet Security.
I don't know why the Firewall Behavior Settings would be different from mine.

I don't use Trust Connect but it's up to you.
Have a read about it and see what you think, it also depends on if you have the spare money to pay for it.
http://www.comodo.com/home/internet-security/wifi-security.php

If you decide not to buy Trust connect you can stop the pop-up window by clicking on Do not show me this alert again or through the Firewall Behavior Settings > General Settings tab, if you can find where it is hiding
http://help.comodo.com/topic-72-1-284-3022-General-Settings.html

 

Windows Defender is the same as Aivra now. You never stated what OS you are using, so it is hard to tell you what steps further to take, then turn off Personal file sharing, turn off Network discovery, turn on Password protected file sharing, do not use media sharing.

If Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8, the built in firewall for those Operating Systems will do both inbound & outbound protection on both a Private & Public LAN. Windows Defender used to be known as Microsoft Security Essentials, after the release of Windows 8, they changed the name to Windows Defender again.

If you are not using a Pro version of Windows, but still want to tighten the rules on the built in firewall, you can do it, by using these rules. http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/dd448559(v=WS.10).aspx

As for the rest, security is only as good as the end user, that is using the computer or Operating System, regardless if it is Linux, Mac OS, Windows, Android, iOS. Same goes for using a browser, and knowing how to secure the browser, especially if it is Internet Explorer.

Adblock+, WOT (Web Of Trust) are two good add-ons for any browser, that will add a layer on the browser, to stop certain items, and warning the user of possible malicious sites with the WOT add-on.

 

I also recommend you the Comodo Internet Security and also have a password on your wifi.That help you more in improving the security of your home internet server and network as well as you can secure all the devices that are connected with that network.

 

Comodo does not secure the network, it only secures the workstation that it is on. Adding a WiFi password is common sense. No network should be open to the public for access, unless it is firewalled, so that users using that open access point, cannot get further into the network. It is what is called Layered Security.

 

OpenVPN is an option. There are free services available, but you are trading one set of security compromises for another. I have never had any problems with the free services but I also take other precautions such as using NoScript and or QuickJava. Startpage.com has the ability to browse the web via their proxy, where all communication is encrypted, (https). Sounds like you are getting free internet because someone is kind enough to allow it. You could inquire about the owner setting up the wireless router to use WPA2 encryption and making the password available to you, and possibly changing the password on occasion. I also install WinPatrol on others computers on occasion. Just thought I should add that yes, I do trust Mozilla over Google and Microsoft, but you know what opinions are like, and yes, everybody does have one.