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

Moss Bluff man arrested in shooting following verbal altercation

life

All aboard: Club keeps alive childhood memories of model trains

life

Cassidy’s office to help residents with Social Security forms

Local News

Kinder moving forward with property, wastewater treatment, drainage projects

Local News

Additional law enforcement to be stationed at mall during Christmas shopping season

Local News

Calcasieu school tax renewals up for vote

Jim Beam

Jim Beam column: It’s news that people can use

Business

Black Friday shoppers hit stores across SW La.

Local News

Ardoin earns his fifth Grammy nomination

Local News

Radio host Dale Mann dies at 78

Local News

Louisiana will now have lowest tax rate, highest sales tax

Local News

Scooter Hobbs: OU tries out for LSU dance partner

Local News

Scooter Hobbs column: Rival or not, LSU welcomes Oklahoma to the SEC

Local News

LC native Lauren Daigle to perform ‘America the Beautiful’ with Trombone Shorty for Super Bowl pregame

life

PHOTO GALLERY: Sulphur Thanksgiving

Local News

Light Up the Lake to usher in Christmas season in LC

life

Students fighting food insecurity — and they’re victorious with their ‘3peat’ goal

Local News

THANKSGIVING MESSAGE: Gratitude, resilience our shared strength

life

Jingle and Mingle: The Magical Christmas on Shell Beach Drive benefits construction of Mardi Gras museum

McNeese Sports

Berry leads Cowgirls to win

Local News

BREAKING: Lawsuit against LC mayor dismissed with prejudice

Jim Gazzolo

Gazzolo column: Schroyer has to get it right

Local News

Hudson, Minogue, Porter to perform at Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade

Local News

Now hiring: McNeese begins search for ‘Mr. Fix It’ after AD’s first choice doesn’t get it done