Hi John,

I am always intrigued when I find out information that I didn't know or don't understand. Thanks for that post. I don't understand a few of those cautions that you posted.

Question #1: You said: ...if you are using a hot spot, you leave yourself wide open to very easy hacking. Ditto for a cell phone link. If you are going to try logging into say your eBay account, or your checking account on a regular basis, it is best to spend the extra money to get yourself an encryption system (minimum of 128 encryption).

I agree with you that I might leave myself wide open for someone to hack into my machine but I don't quite understand why attaching to my eBay account or checking account would be anymore of a problem than doing it from any other connection. Usually those pages use SSL layer with encryption enabled for those pages. Is there a still a threat even those those pages are using the browser's built in encryption?

Question #2: You said: After getting out of the intelligence service, I would not buy a computer with a modem for a couple of years as I was too overly cautious.

I don't see why having a modem in your computer would pose a problem if you didn't connect a telephone cable to it. Are you saying just having a modem in your computer is a threat?

Question #3: You said...Also, do not place your telephone within 3 feet of your computer/modem. It works the same way as the line is always on, even when you are not talking.

This may be related to #2. Sounds like you are saying just having a land line phone within 3 feet of a computer is a problem?

Please don't take my post in a negative manner. I find it fascinating and am interested in hearing more details/explanation on these threats.

Thanks.