travel security

Hello
I will be traveling soon and wondered how to secure my laptop. The hotel has an Ethernet cable and I did not know if I should /could use my own router with their cable

Secondly, there will be times when I will be using Wi-Fi.
Could you please address the first part then inform me as to the safest way to be secure with Wi-Fi?
I have a list of programs designed to help while using Wi-Fi and wondered if any jump out at you as being worthwhile:
Hotspot Shield, CyberGhost, OkayFreedom, Spotflux, SafeIP or SecurityKISS . The article I was reading said they provide you with the same security as your home router.
However, while researching them, I could not find the downside like slowing the pc etc.
I have Win 8.1 and use Defender and the Windows firewall along with MBAM and SpywareBlaster.
Thank you
Peter

Make sure that Windows Firewall is set for On for Guest/Public networks. When you connect to the hotspot, make it a Guest/Public. Turn off Sharing on any folders, make sure your Anti-Virus is up to date. That is pretty much it.

There are some that use VPN to connect to their home networks, or use VPN for Internet browsing. Only problem is that some hotel networks are like being on dial-up. Also most hotel Internet services cost more then just using your Cellphone for web browsing.

We were led to believe the Ethernet connection for internet was for free. I will keep the firewall set as you say. What do you think abut using my router with their cable?

You will run into issues of Double Nat, and router behind router. Even if you connect via Ethernet, make it a "Public" network, so the Firewall protects from any inbound inquiries.

Thank you for your help. I was not aware of the public setting but it makes sense .
Peter

What do you want a router for? I always plug the Ethernet cable in Hotels direct into my PC (although it tends to be all wireless more often these days). It will default to "Public" unless you change it as far as I remember - both for Wifi and Ethernet. Don't change it but you may have to let certain programs through - you will be prompted. I have certain Java apps for example that always prompt for access on public networks.

Like broe23 said watch the price - I've often paid more than the room rate for internet. Depends where you are going I guess.

I always thought a router added security to the pc. I have my firewall set to public and also have SpywareBlaster along with MBAM.
I hope that is enough to keep me safe. I am used to being behind a router at home.

I'm not an expert on this but I think that you are wrong.

Your ISP may block some things - for example in places like Iran, Ireland and the UK you cant see ****************
Your router may block some things (perhaps additionally defined by you)
Your firewall (Windows or 3rd party) may block some things (perhaps additionally defined by you)

Any communication in or out would have to get through all 3. For normal use your firewall is enough - it doesn't matter what the other bits allow or don't. You could block everything in windows firewall and enable it as required and that would be perfectly fine.

There are lots of different opinions on this forum however. You just have to choose the level you are happy with. I've used default settings on Windows Firewall in hotels around the world for years and had no problem. YMMV of course.

Edit: This forum software changed the site I was using as an example into asterisks! How about that. It did the same with a completely legitimate French mobile phone provider called "free dot fr" I was trying to recommend to another member for a mobile contract.

I believe you re saying; 1-the Windows firewall is sufficient, 2-one must seek one's own level of satisfaction.
I think Defender has come along way and have faith in it. I am happy with my combination.
I found the answer I was looking in that my router would not be good idea I a hotel with Ethernet. I do feel the Ethernet connection is better than WI-FI.

Yes. For me it has always been fine with that combination.

For security though Hotel Wi-Fi or Ethernet is the same. Assume they are logging it. I'm also careful - I wouldn't put certain words into a search if I was in KSA for example.

Do you have an opinion on Trusteer Rapport?

I do yes. I read lots of complains (mind you this was years ago) about it taking lots of resources so I have never installed it. I also don't like the nagging.

Recently however I saw a UK newspaper article where some guy had been ripped off (somehow using internet) and the bank refused to refund him as (in their opinion) they were not to blame as he had not installed it. I'll have a look for the link and if I can find it edit this post later.

Probably it is a good idea though if your bank requests it.

Many banks in the States are asking for it to be installed - if you have decent RAM the new program should not be slowed. Also I would not protect all sites.

Do it if your bank asks you to. Be careful about compatibility with non MS AV though.

I can't find the story I was thinking of but a UK bank said a customer was "irresponsible" for not installing it and therefore did not refund the lost money. I'll have another look after my dinner.