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

Local News

Louisiana to end mass vaccine promotion, state’s top health official says

Local News

REAL ID enforcement date now just three months away

life

Several SW La. students honored at Northwestern State

Crime

Eight DeRidder High students arrested

Local News

Wicked weather this way comes on Saturday

Jim Gazzolo

Jim Gazzolo column: Garcia best Southland has to offer

McNeese Sports

Cowboys look for finishing kick

Crime

2/13: Calcasieu Parish Sheriff announces arrest list

Local News

 BREAKING: Robert F. Kennedy Jr. confirmed as Trump’s secretary after close Senate vote

Local News

At Oak Park Elementary, no one eats alone

Local News

Candidate Fondel airs his views at forum

life

Gettin’ jiggy wit it — Irish dance style

Local News

Family fabric: Quilting exhibition offers insight to generations of storytelling, culture and artistry

life

McNeese president’s honor list announced for fall 2024 semester

life

Walls can talk: Artist says art is essence of humanity

McNeese Sports

Selling a winning pitch

Local News

House committee address citizen concerns over carbon sequestration in Louisiana

Jim Beam

Jim Beam column:Don’t worry. Trump is fixer

Local News

Mayor talks progress, what’s ahead for the city

Local News

EMS Academy, Acadian Ambulance will be offering EMT classes in LC

Local News

City Council candidates for District C state their views

Local News

Capstone at the Oaks senior living complex nearing completion

Local News

FBI says it found 2,400 new JFK assassination records

McNeese Sports

Baseball Preview: Putting pieces in place