How secure is wi-fi?

A wi-fi connection is as safe as the password used, obviously you want to be using a trusted and encrpted connection that is from like a local bar or something and make sure you have a firewall up and running and also some anti-virus software, you should be fine if all criteria is met. but if you do end up using a public computer then make sure you dont save any password or files. hope this helps.

A very good question which should be asked more often now

The short answer is get an account with Boingo

You are going to be assured of a high level of security with a specified Linksys router with vpn ( virtual private network) and a standardized higher level of security than most

Even if you are on a standard land line in a hotel or cafe there is no guarantee

One tech writer attached her laptop to hotel networks and was amazed at the overall slopiness - she was able to read clear text on both the wi fi and land lines of the computers on the hotel network

For a non secure network - open wi fi - not a good idea

For even hotel or cafe wifi or land lines - not a great idea if you are doing stock trading and banking

If you have a portfolio and can travel you should have some cash for this - hopefully with the market tumbling