Using Laptop In Public Wifi Areas

[RealT]

Hi,
I plan to meet somebody in a Wifi cafe with my laptop to purchase BTC. 

Are there any security measures I should take with my laptop to prevent hacking?

Thanks!

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[Magazine]

Yeah, don't forget your tin foil hat.

[DannyHamilton]

If you're concerned, perhaps send any bitcoins you currently own off to a paper wallet before you head out.  It won't prevent anyone from hacking in and installing a keylogger or other malware, but it will at least reduce your exposure a bit.

[RealT]

If you're concerned, perhaps send any bitcoins you currently own off to a paper wallet before you head out.  It won't prevent anyone from hacking in and installing a keylogger or other malware, but it will at least reduce your exposure a bit.

How can I prevent someone from "hacking in and installing a keylogger or other malware"?

[devthedev]

If you're concerned, perhaps send any bitcoins you currently own off to a paper wallet before you head out.  It won't prevent anyone from hacking in and installing a keylogger or other malware, but it will at least reduce your exposure a bit.

How can I prevent someone from "hacking in and installing a keylogger or other malware"?

You'd have to stay off of the network, but I wouldn't be too worried unless you're transacting a good amount of coin.

[Ecurb123]

if your phone has it, use the phone's wifi. then you're off the public network.

[Magazine]

if your phone has it, use the phone's wifi. then you're off the public network.

Yeah, use that.

Use your phone as a private hot spot.

[RealT]

Well, I do not have a phone...

[Magazine]

Well, I do not have a phone...

2013 and you don't have a phone...


Sweet nimbus!

[RealT]

No phone, just a laptop.  You guys have me a little worried about being connected to the network.

[DannyHamilton]

You guys have me a little worried about being connected to the network.

You've done that to yourself.  Many of us are willing to accept a reasonable amount of risk in our life.  It isn't possible to completely eliminate risk, instead you choose which risks you can tolerate and make reasonable efforts to reduce the risks you expose yourself to.

[Kouye]

No phone, just a laptop.  You guys have me a little worried about being connected to the network.

Most of public wifi don't really let you interact with other connected devices, now.
Unless it's a raw internet box where everyone can connect - which makes the owner responsible if you do anything illegal - I would not worry too much.

[Moebius327]

If you are worried just buy a prepaid Mobile-Internet USB Stick..

[Ecurb123]

you could run a live CD with your wallet on a USB. Once the transaction is accepted, take the USB out. If it's a big deal, bring a friend or two as well, not only for the physical safety but to keep an eye out, make sure everything is going as expected. I know sometimes when I'm buying something it's hard to think about what the sell is doing when I'm focused on making the deal. 

[Caesium]

If you're purchasing BTC, ie receiving it, you don't need a wallet with you at all.

Set up a receiving address in advance and take note of the address. Ideally a QR code, after verifying your seller will be able to scan it.

Then all you need is a way to check that address on blockchain.info and wait for the funds to turn up before handing over your greens. You can do that with a LiveCD or something as previously mentioned.

[Ecurb123]

If you're purchasing BTC, ie receiving it, you don't need a wallet with you at all.

Set up a receiving address in advance and take note of the address. Ideally a QR code, after verifying your seller will be able to scan it.

Then all you need is a way to check that address on blockchain.info and wait for the funds to turn up before handing over your greens. You can do that with a LiveCD or something as previously mentioned.

wow why didn't I think of that! this is the answer!

[Kenshin]

If you're concerned, perhaps send any bitcoins you currently own off to a paper wallet before you head out.  It won't prevent anyone from hacking in and installing a keylogger or other malware, but it will at least reduce your exposure a bit.

How can I prevent someone from "hacking in and installing a keylogger or other malware"?

Firstly, you must make sure you have the latest patches for your OS, if it is Mac or Windows, make sure you have firewall and anti-virus. If you are using Linux, run chroot.

No one can hack you, if your OS don't have any security holes, and also if you don't accept stupid pop up or phishing email, there is no way any malware can be upload into your computer.

[RealT]

If you're purchasing BTC, ie receiving it, you don't need a wallet with you at all.

Set up a receiving address in advance and take note of the address. Ideally a QR code, after verifying your seller will be able to scan it.

Then all you need is a way to check that address on blockchain.info and wait for the funds to turn up before handing over your greens. You can do that with a LiveCD or something as previously mentioned.

Thank you.