Solved Using dropbox on unsecure network

Discussion in 'General PC and Tech Security Questions' started by panabhi, Jan 9, 2012.


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  1. panabhi Bronze Member

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    Hi there!

    I just moved to a new appt. and bought a new laptop. So am broke. I recently created an account for dropbox to get some files through an insecure connection (the network name was displayed as “no-password”!!) After reading recent comments online about dropbox security issues, I feel apprehensive about using it on the insecure network. Can anyone else access my computer/files on hard drive or know any details in my laptop if I use dropbox? (I have Norton antivirus/Win 7).


    Thanks a million for your help!

  2. Hengis PCHF Manager

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    Welcome to the site. Dropbox have managed to address many of their users security concerns of late, however if you want better security please consider SpiderOak.
  3. Belahzur Freedom Fighter

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    For a cloud based storage device, I recommend UbunutOne - but you really do need to get your network secure, having a router broadcast it's signal with no password on it is asking for trouble, packet sniffing is so easy to do on an unsecure network.

    Anyone sat outside your home running a packet sniffing program like Wireshark/Shark For Root or DroidSheep/FireSheep can easily just connect to your network, run the program, see what your packets are doing, read them and access ALL your accounts, Facebook, your bank account, anything else they might find interesting.

    But with regards to online storage, doesn't matter which one you use, without a secure network, your gonna get hacked no questions asked, that's a guarantee.
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  5. panabhi Bronze Member

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    Thanks Hengis and Belahzur.

    I do not know any tech stuff. I think "packet sniffing" means just deciphering the data transmitted/received online. I don't really care about my browsing activity being monitored as I do not access emails, bank a/c or log in to any sites (accept dropbox for downloading). So no major privacy issues.

    My only concern is that my laptop/ hard drive should not be accessed remotely or some trojan etc. installed in it. Since the "Public Network" setting in win 7 automatically blocks remote unauthorized access and so does Norton, I assume that my laptop/flash drives are not at risk of getting infected.
    Or is this too simplistic and naive on my part???:oops:
  6. Hengis PCHF Manager

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    I'm no expert in terms of PC security but if you have Norton installed and up to date, that should protect your external drives/devices too.
  7. Belahzur Freedom Fighter

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    "Norton" + "protect" in the SAME sentence? I must be dreaming. :rolleyes:
  8. Hengis PCHF Manager

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    Well.......
  9. Belahzur Freedom Fighter

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    and no, Norton wont do jack for your external drives, especially not if the drives get infected with something like Rammnit/Sality or TDL4.
  10. panabhi Bronze Member

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    Hey Fellows,

    Sorry for this, but I still do not know the answer to my query!!!

    DISREGARDING PRIVACY ISSUES, CAN SOMEONE ACTUALLY ACCESS/INFECT MY LAPTOP IF I USE AN UNSECURE WIRELESS CONNECTION?

    The only services that I may use that involve passwords/accounts are Dropbox and Skype. Rest is random browsing.
  11. DCiAdmin Administrator & Tech Team Leader

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    Do you keep a quality Firewall on your system? Which one? Have you opened any ports on the Firewall you use? Do you stay up to date with Operating System updates?
  12. Hengis PCHF Manager

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    Yes it's possible but less likely if you're using https websites. A good firewall should stop the majority of intrusion attempts but I honestly won't tell you that you are risk-free when using an un-secured wifi network.
    Yes. A determined individual will get onto your laptop, however a determined individual will do the same with a seemingly "secured" wifi network.
    DCiAdmin likes this.
  13. Belahzur Freedom Fighter

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    YES, VERY EASILY.

    Capslock power go!!
  14. panabhi Bronze Member

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    Hi DCiAdmin,

    I have Norton antivirus and Win 7 that updates automatically. The active firewall is that of Norton. Don't know anything about "opening any ports on the firewall", but I have not tweaked the default settings.
  15. DCiAdmin Administrator & Tech Team Leader

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    The answer that you do not wish to hear is in Post #12
  16. panabhi Bronze Member

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    Thanks a lot fellows. U r right, I really don't like the answer. But I guess it is the right answer. I'll just have to get my own connection.

    thanks again. Wonderful to have so many people pitching in with replies.

Using dropbox on unsecure network

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