Using unencrypted Wi-Fi connection a security risk

<p class="p1"><strong>I sometimes read the electronic version of the <em>American Press</em> through an unsecured Wi-Fi at a local restaurant. Is it possible in this situation for someone to view other things on my tablet that I am not looking at, such as my emails, etc.?</strong></p><p class="p2">The answer is yes.</p><p class="p2">Dr. Matthew Aghili, head of the electrical engineering and computer science department at McNeese State University, said any publicly available unencrypted connection to the Internet or an access point is inherently insecure and could be a potential threat or a point of attack.</p><p class="p2">He said this includes laptops, smartphones and tablets — all susceptible to the wireless security risks. </p><p class="p2">This means that if the Wi-Fi access point or the public network is compromised then very likely the whole network could be scanned and all information on that network is at risk.</p><p class="p2">So, how can you protect your data when using an unsecured Wi-Fi connection?</p><p class="p2">Aghili said the user must use communication protocols (or applications) capable of data encryption or if personal data (emails or files) is stored on the local device, the user must apply some form of encryption to protect the data. He said encryption software tools are usually available on all operating systems.</p><p class="p2">He listed a few good links for more information on public Wi-Fi security: </p><p class="p2">https://usa.kaspersky.com/resource-center/preemptive-safety/public-wifi</p><p class="p2">https://lifehacker.com/top-10-ways-to-stay-safe-on-public-wi-fi-networks-1791800347</p><hr /><p class="p3"><strong>White House mail</strong></p><p class="p1"><strong>Can you give me the mailing address for the president of the United States? I need to complain to him about my mail service. </strong></p><p class="p2">Sure. All letters to President Donald Trump can be mailed to 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, D.C., 20500. </p><p class="p2">The White House, on its directory website, encourages all letter writers to either type the letter or write as neatly as possible using pen. </p><p class="p2">Writers are asked to include their return address on their letter as well as the envelope.  </p><hr /><p class="p3"><strong>Obama vetoes</strong></p><p class="p1"><strong>How many bills did President Barack Obama veto during his presidency? How many were overridden?</strong></p><p class="p2">President Barack Obama issued 12 vetoes during his presidency. </p><p class="p2">Only one of those vetoes was overridden by Congress, and it was in support of the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act. The act allows families of terror attacks on U.S. soil — including the Sept. 11 victims — to pursue claims against the nation states who sponsored the attack. With respect to the 9-11 families, it will allow them to amend lawsuits already underway — or file new suits — to directly sue Saudi Arabia. </p><hr /><p class="p5"><span class="s1">The I</span><span class="s2">nformer answers questions from readers. It is</span> written by <strong>Crystal Stevenson</strong>, <em>American Press</em> executive editor. To ask a question, call 494-4098 and leave a voice mail, or ema<span class="s2">il informer@americanpress.com.</span></p>””Public Wi-Fi

SportsPlus

Crime

Allen parents charged after 2-month-old suffers 10 fractures

Local News

St. Louis to sell campus property to St. Nicholas Center in three phases

Crime

9/6: Calcasieu Parish Sheriff announces arrest list

Local News

Judge delays Donald Trump’s sentencing in hush money case until after November election

life

SW La. nightlife calendar: There’s always something to do

life

Historic City Hall: City unveils plans for three autumn art exhibits

Local News

Pay raise for next Welsh mayor and aldermen

McNeese Sports

Cowboys enter Aggieland

Crime

Iowa High student charged with terrorizing after threatening school shooting

Local News

LC Council approves changes to panhandling ordiance

Local News

Fire marshal: Propane leak likely caused Ragley home to explode

Local News

Judge ponders path ahead in Trump’s election interference case

Local News

Teen charged with killing 4 people at Ga. school denied prior online threats in 2023

Crime

9/5: Calcasieu Parish Sheriff announces arrest list

Crime

Hunter Biden intends to change not guilty plea in his federal tax case, defense attorney says

McNeese Sports

Money games lift smaller programs

McNeese Sports

McDowell is game-time decision

life

McNeese Theatre: Navigating tides of life focus of ‘Tender Atlas’

Local News

26-year-old unrestrained driver killed in two-vehicle crash

Local News

WEATHER WATCH: Flood watch in effect through Friday

Crime

9/4: Calcasieu Parish Sheriff announces arrest list

Crime

Shooter kills 4 at a Georgia high school and a suspect is in custody, officials say

Jim Gazzolo

Jim Gazzolo column: More than an interested fan

Local News

Sulphur mayor: Water conservation requests normal this time of year