Is it safe to connect to any wireless network that my laptop detects?

Question

I just got a laptop and I live in an apartment complex. My laptop picked up a lot of wireless signals and I could just connect to anyones wireless network to connect to the computer. How safe can that be? What are the risks of doing that? Will other people using that same network be able to access my files? I don't know how that works. Can someone explain to me how password hacking can be done when connecting to these kinds of unprotected networks? Is there a way that I can protect myself from others using the same network from sniffing my passwords?

One more thing, I have not bought a wireless router yet, but when I do, does the ISC (internet sharing computer) has to be turned ON to be able to connect to the wireless network?

Answer 1

Safe....usually. Legal...not quite. Most people forget that just because someone leaves a door open, does not mean that you can go in and take whatever you want.

Anyway, as long as you have the updates for Windows or Mac installed, and you DISABLE file sharing (Default in XP SP2), and enable your firewall, you will be as safe as you can be. No normal user will be able to access your files, and unless an advance user knows where you are connecting, your safe. The best protection from password sniffing is to use encryption software and/or a firewall.

And finally, when you get a Router, it will be connected to the Modem. (The DSL or Cable modem) How the computers connect dosen't matter, but I recommend at least one to be hardwired, and disable the option to change settings on the router by wireless connections.

This link will help you get more information:
http://wireless.about.com/cs/homenetworking/a/homenetguide.htm

Answer 2

Connecting to unprotected networks is risky business mainly because they're not encrypted, anybody can connect to the network and potentially access the stuff on your computer. You have a password and that's a good start. a potential hacker would have to first crack that to be able to get to your data (any shared files, folders, or drives that you may have.) If you'll be accessing any unprotected networks, a firewall is an awesome idea. It's your first line of defense. If any potential hacker wants to get to your computer, they'll have to go through your firewall (which normally blocks requests to access your machine or at least notifies you when such requests are in progress giving you the option to block them.) ZoneAlarm is the best free firewall on the web. The next best thing is to encrypt your computers drives or files. that makes it much much harder to get to your data. The third thing is to not share anything on your computer (no files, folders, etc.) If you don't share anything, nobody can get anything. If your just using the networks to use the internet, that's the best thing to do, (not to share anything.) Hope this helps. Good Luck :-)

Answer 3

No, it's not safe. You don't know what they will be able to access. The ISC does not have to be turned on for your laptop to access the internet, only the router itself and the internet connection need to be on.

Answer 4

lol...it somewhat is risky or maybe unlawful to easily use yet another guy or woman's instantaneous sign...till it somewhat is a public sign. the two way, the only genuine "risk-free" instantaneous sign is once you're utilising your own password risk-free community with the severe risk-free practices encryption obtainable. in any different case, basically make certain you at the instant are not doing any online banking or typing in any important passwords whilst surfing on yet another guy or woman's community! nonetheless ninety 9% of the time if somebody is utilising an unsecured community they don't be attentive to what the hell they're doing, there is often the possibility somebody is attempting to seize yet another guy or woman in for identity robbery or some thing.

Answer 5

dont listen to her. FREE *** INTERNET. your safe. well not really but its free. so do it.