are WiFi connections secure?

[hop]

I've been using free WiFi at a local pub here in Port Townsend for the past few weeks, but before I buy an airline ticket I wanna know if they're secure for CC's. Any help?

[phUnk]

Regardless of the connection (WiFi, cable, dialup, etc,) if your browser has a secure connection (check the yellow padlock icon in the status bar) with the website you're entering your CC info on, your data is secure.

That's because the browser encrypts the data before it ever leaves your PC/laptop, so it's encrypted before it hits your net connection.

[hop]

hmm. Checked the "status" tab on the control panel and there was no padlock to be seen. Is this the right place to be looking? pardon my jong-ness.

[snorkeldeep]

what kind of browser is it.. another place to check is the URL on the purchase page for the credit card, it should be https instead of http... s for secure. However, this alone doesnt ensure that the form on the page that yuo type your credit card into is secure as well.. you want to be sure you dont get a warning that pops up when you hit saying you're submitting to an unsecure form. Basically every major airline will be secure.. you shouldnt have too much to worry about unless you're buying from a smaller travel agent.

[hop]

the server is this local wireless company that is testing stuff for potential use on wash. state ferries among other things. Every time I log in to their server, there's a "blah blah might not be secure or whatever, do you want to continue?" thing.

I figured if I use the airline pages they're gonna be secure, but as a WiFi newbie I can't help but think my digits are going out into the universe for anyone to retrieve. If the website is secure but the server is unknown, does that matter? Or if one is secure is everything secure? Maybe I'll just pick up the phone and do it the old-fashioned way.

[cj001f]

the server is this local wireless company that is testing stuff for potential use on wash. state ferries among other things. Every time I log in to their server, there's a "blah blah might not be secure or whatever, do you want to continue?" thing.

The connection between your computer and your ISP (the ferry dudes) isn't secure. To make this connection secure you can use a number of secure protocols - like those used by airline company websites. Now your connection is secure.