security for laptops?

Hi, I frequently travel around the world and I bring my laptop with me when I do. Are there any security issues I should be concerned with connecting to so many different computer networks all the time? Honestly, I sometimes do some banking and credit cards too. So the first thing, but surely not the last, is my concern when information is leaked when other people are also around logging in the same network...such as my local coffee shop or at the airport. Thanks for reading!

 

I don't know if what I'm about to say is stating the obvious. With Vista I would make sure that the connection is "location type: Public" (Control Panel/Network and Internet/Network and Sharing Centre/Customize). A good firewall, antivirus, antikeyloggers, and a virtualizer. I personally would also re image my system daily while travelling.

 

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With regard to Open WiFi you want to take special precautions. For instance, if you use Gmail in the browser there is an option to enable SSL (encryption) for the entire session. Hotmail offers an "enhanced security" option which encrypts the account login credentials. You want to use that, but unfortunately once you're logged in transmissions are in clear text. I use a free service called Hotspot Shield which creates a VPN between my laptop and their site. It slows browsing a little, but it's a good solution. There are also companies which offer VPN services by subscription. It's possible they offer better performance. If you use a VPN you're well protected against "Man In The Middle" attacks, (the interception of unencrypted data).

 

Thanks Victek123, for the helpful tip on VPN. That really relived my most pressing concern on getting my information intercepted.