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

Jim Beam

Jim Beam column:Landry tries to pull fast one

Informer

The Informer: Historic Arcade Theater destroyed in 1985 Thanksgiving Day fire

Jim Gazzolo

Jim Gazzolo column: Parity no cause for concern

Local News

US taxpayer funds went to foreign competition for domestic shrimpers

McNeese Sports

Cowboys look to regain touch

life

Hobo Hotel for Cats charity auction set for Saturday

Local News

Firefighter training to be offered to high school junior, seniors

Local News

LCPD complaints delay vote to reappoint police chief

Local News

Karlee Campbell curates a classroom for students where they feel welcomed

McNeese Sports

Cowgirls suffer double loss

life

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

Local News

Trump announces commission on religious liberty, White House Faith Office

McNeese Sports

Traveling man

Local News

Jennings High Key Club using grant to increase access to books

Local News

Program aimed at helping city workers buy homes

Local News

Several area schools named after Black education pioneers, local legends

Crime

LC man accused of going on crime spree

McNeese Sports

Back to their roots

Jim Beam

Jim Beam column:Second Harvest news unsettling

Local News

Meet the candidates: Five throw hat in ring for mayor’s race

McNeese Sports

SLC games set for McNeese

McNeese Sports

Cowgirls look for four-peat

Local News

UPDATE: Drug charges against veterinarian cleared of rape dropped

Local News

Cassidy, Senate committee advances Robert F. Kennedy Jr. nomination to be health secretary