How safe are public wireless networks, like at the airport or a coffee shop?

How safe are public wireless networks, like at the airport or a coffee shop?

Hacker X (Computer Security Expert) gives expert video advice on: How can I make my wireless network secure? and more...

With computer security and wireless, using a public wireless network like that found in an airport, café, coffee shop or something is relatively safe for general web surfing, e-mailing and reading some information. I certainly wouldn't engage in any commerce or any kind of activity that requires me to input or exchange very personal or sensitive data information. There's not a whole lot that you can do with your own personal equipment in a public arena like that to protect you from that. Viruses aren't really your issue, what's the issue is the vulnerability of your computer in a public wireless network. You shouldn't be super vulnerable, the WEP encryption, which is the wireless encryption and security standards, should be in place so it shouldn't be a problem. But, play it safe in public wireless networks, don't go to sites that require log in's and passwords that you use all the time. Maybe that's not the best time to go shopping, maybe be a little more cautious than you would normally when in a public wireless network.