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I'm Studying at a University that has a public network around campus that all students use. This network is even available at the dorms. Since all devices are connected to the same network, is my private information (Banking info, private photos, etc) in danger? Could someone spy on me through my webcam? I found that youtube was streaming to a SMART TV that was connected to the same network without me even allowing it, it just automatically did it.

If I buy a router and connect it to this public network, would my devices be safe then?

I am severely uneducated on the topic, and I am struggling to understand all of the factors that play into network security.

schroeder
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Diego Hughes
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1 Answers1

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Get a VPN, such as Mullvad, to encrypt your connections to public networks.

is my private information (Banking info, private photos, etc) in danger?

If they don't use TLS (HTTPS), then yes. An attacker could view or modify any data.

Could someone spy on me through my webcam?

Not passively. They'd have to manage to get you to execute malicious software on your computer (either by getting you to download and run it, or by tampering with another downloading executable that you'll run), or you stream video from your webcam without using TLS.

I found that youtube was streaming to a SMART TV that was connected to the same network without me even allowing it, it just automatically did it.

That has nothing to do with public Wi-Fi. Check the smart TV's manual, maybe?

If I buy a router and connect it to this public network, would my devices be safe then?

Not if the router has to connect to the public network over Wi-Fi.

forest
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  • Thanks for the Answer. I am not sure if I am replying but I hope you see this! – Diego Hughes Feb 22 '21 at 14:29
  • @DiegoHughes Yep I see the reply. I'm glad I could help! If the answer is useful you can mark it as accepted with the green checkbox. :) – forest Feb 22 '21 at 22:25