Wi Fi is it safe?
Hi I'm Steve, We are planning to have a tour of NE UK and Scotland this year, with this in mind I'd like to ask how safe the club Wi Fi is. I must admit we haven't used the site Wi Fi at all. The big thing in my mind is how safe it is to use it. We would be using it to checkout the local area's as we travel about and the odd bit of browsing.
Comments
-
Like most public networks it is not secure.
In my experience, it isn’t very reliable either, although others say it is. It does not exist at all on some Scottish sites and others may only have a hotspot, perhaps near the office. It was only ever intended for one device per subscription for emails and simple browsing and quickly slows down if streaming/downloading is attempted.
I find it far more satisfactory to use the mobile network.
You can find more about site Wi-fi via this link, Steve.
https://www.caravanclub.co.uk/uk-holidays/useful-information/wi-fi/
0 -
Where Scottish sites have had wifi I have found it to be fine and although I don't make a habit of streaming I have watched the odd 10 min youtube clip with no problem. I have found that wifi provision is scarce on Scottish sites though
0 -
Steve
When using any public WiFi system you have to make sure you have proper internet security on your device. For years now I have used Norton Internet Security which is pretty reliable. There are two dangers from public WiFi. Firstly it is the websites you visit and that is where internet security comes into its own to protect you. Secondly there are risks that someone, somewhere might try to compromise your device. The latter, whilst not impossible is I would suggest pretty unlikely on a Club site. Where you put yourself at risk is checking your internet banking in a busy pub or town centre. With proper security on your device you should be as safe using Wifi on a Club site as you are at home.
David
0 -
When we have tried to log on to the web on site we get a warning that it is not secure. It puts me off but I am not tech savvy enough to be sure of the risks.
There is no banking or credit card information on the devices we would use though so hopefully we would not have a problem.
0 -
OH runs a forum that will show as 'not secure' none of the users are concerned. It is hosted by a german company who have over 275,000 forums on their servers and have been running for 20+ years. If I provided the link I am certain that without our consent you would not access it.
0 -
This 5G installation they are talking about seems plain dangerous to me. The radiation levels are concerning to say the least. Apparently, even being near the ariels is dangerous- but then it was on the BBC so take it with a pinch of salt I guess!
0 -
Just to give a bit more info on "what is 5G" here's an explanation from the BBC, where it's explained that it will be on shorter wavelengths with a lower range and it's not surprising to read we are using up available space with all the data we send and receive. It still doesn't address the problems in remoter areas so not the perfect solution by any means.
BBC LINK
0 -
If you are concerned about the safety of using a public wifi network the use of internet security sw on your PC, while necessary for protecting your PC, won't always keep you safe. Make sure you have "Sharing" turned off on your PC/Mac and ensure you use a suitable virtual private network (VPN) connection. A hacker on a public wifi network will try to position himself in the middle of the connection you are using to capture the data you are sending/receiving on the network. VPN will encrypt the information you are sending across the network and make it a pain for the hacker if he manages to capture it.
Personally I always use a VPN connection if doing anything sensitive on an unsecured network (which is hardly ever). I use TunnelBear but there are many other free VPN tools.
0 -
I agree with nilrem77. You can get a VPN from any online store but suggest free ones might be not suitable. If you have virus software you may find VPN is available there. Alternatively get a mobile router. Any phone shop will have one. Wife has Vodafone, I have EE and so mobile router is 3. We then hope one will connect. I think the club has a deal with EE.
0 -
Scottish sites WiFi provision is terrible, pure lack of investment. Many sites have a dodgy hotspot scenario so forget getting service in your van unless you are parked next to office or washroom. 3G,4g etc poor / non existent north of Inverness.
0 -
I fully support DKs reply, the web or internet is not safe at all. All security is down to you locally on your local area network in your abode, which includes all of the connected devices. I also use Norton and a VPN when I am abroad.
You don’t drive a car until you have had lessons and pass a test! You should not go near the Internet until you have done the same. It’s no good scratching your head, do it.
Before I retired 5 years ago I spent 30 years as an IT, Networks & Telecoms Manager in the Public Sector and now I am horrified at having to read threads like this one, where people dabble with something they know nothing about, but where warnings are on TV and Radio every day and ignored.
BillC
0
