[iloveny]

Currently at a temporary winter residence where my Email and Web access is delivered via wireless (rather than via ethernet as at my normal location).

Am using a wireless router (since we each have a comptuer here) and am running McAfee with auto update. Also have Windows XP SP2 installed.

Yet, am sometimes worried that my online banking, web-surfing, and even Email could be vulnerable to predatory snoops "out there" who could record/track my Internet use (web sites visited, banking passwords, etc.)

What likelihood is there of this and what extra protection should I consider? Or am i just being paranoid?

Thanks for advice.

[crazy4laptops]

to put it simply, wireless communication is not secure... and can be snooped using the right tools. If its an open connection- banking, purchases, & primary e-mail are not recommended.

but measures to secure wifi include encryption of the connection, browsing via SSL/HTTPS, and updating AV software will keep your info safer.
you can also use proxy servers, but even they might be snoopers too, so i don't recommend them.