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Normally when you connect to a Starbucks Wi-Fi hotspot, you’re presented with a website where you can log into your account. While the connection to the website is secure, your connection to the Wi-Fi access point is unencrypted. This means that anybody nearby with the means can intercept your data.

T-Mobile offers a 802.1x option for their Wi-Fi subscribers. By using 802.1x, all of your wireless traffic to and from the Wi-Fi access point is encrypted. Fortunately for Mac users, we have a solid 802.1x client built right into OS X.

Here’s how to set it up:

1. Launch the Internet Connect application (it’s in your Applications folder)
2. Start a new configuration and enter the following info (use the picture above as a guide):

   -Network Port: Airport
   -User Name: It’s usually the T-Mobile wireless number associated with your Wi-Fi account
   -Your password
   -Wireless Network: tmobile1x

3. Under Authentication, click on TTLS and press the configure button.
4. At the next screen, select PAP for TTLS Inner Authentication. Leave Outer Identity blank.

You’re done! You can save this configuration so you don’t have to re-enter this information. Now press connect and you should be connected within a few seconds.

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