As you know, open Wi-Fi networks are not secure. “Open” includes Wi-Fi networks that do not require a password or where the password is public knowledge. An example of “open” are coffee shops, where the Wi-Fi password is displayed on the counter. Hackers (or the shop) are able to see everything you type or send, including your passwords for many web sites.
Private networks, like UBC Secure or Educloud, were considered safe. Unfortunately, a recent discovery has exposed a major vulnerability, which hackers will be scrambling to exploit. There is no patch or update that will fix this. At this point, please treat all Wi-Fi networks like open networks.
There are only two safe options. Establish an encrypted VPN connection before doing anything else. HTTPS prefixed websites (e.g. https://www.mail.ubc.ca/) use built in web browser encryption.
Colin Bryant
Computer and Communications Systems Manager
Medicine | Psychiatry IT
The University of British Columbia | Vancouver Campus
2255 Wesbrook Mall | Vancouver BC | V6T 2A1 Canada
Phone 604 822 7374
colin.bryant@ubc.ca
http://www.psychiatry.ubc.ca