If you use T-Mobile HotSpots to connect to the internet (this is the service you are using if you connect at Starbucks), your connection is insecure and your traffic can be sniffed by anyone in the area. T-Mobile does offer a way to get a secure connection though through the use of their connection manager software. Just go their site (http://client.hotspot.t-mobile.com/) and install the software. It runs on Windows 2000, XP, and Vista and it requires that you have a WPA-compatible card for the secure connection feature to work.

If you are using a Mac, you have to configure a secure connection yourself. Open Internet Connect (in the Applications folder) and select the "New 802.1X Connection..." from the File menu. Once open, select "Edit Configuration..." from the Configuration pulldown. This will open a new panel that will allow you to configure the connection. Enter your T-Mobile connection information, and give the configuration a name. Then, in the Authentication section. Highlight the TTLS row (make sure it is checked) and click the "Configure..." button. In the panel that opens, for the TTLS Inner Authentication entry, select the PAP option.

If you take these steps, you should be able to get a secure internet connection at Starbucks or any other place that is a T-Mobile HotSpot.