> > use 'https' for gmail. > if no vpn, but use https for gmail - wouldn't the wireless signal for > a public connection still be in the clear transmitting your username > and password?
No. https uses SSL. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Secure_Sockets_Layer) It uses public/private keys to make an encrypted tunnel from your web browser to the remote web server. So, the data stream in the wifi is encrypted. However, a badly designed site may mix https and http between pages and may transmit authentication credentials in the clear. Site designers need to be careful to setup the entire site properly. ************************************************************************* ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *************************************************************************
