What is the risk of not securing my wireless internet connection?

Question

I have heard that people are stealing data through wireless routers/internet connections. Apparently they drive up to your house, log in and start stealing data? Is this true? How do they do this?

Answer 1

Windows XP automatically detects available wireless network connections. They can detect the connection if your access point is broadcasting an SSID.

If it does not require a password, and if your router is configured for DHCP, then they are on your "network" and can browse the web through your Internet Connection.

From there, they could guess that your workgroup name is MSHOME, as this is the default in Windows XP. Then they would have access to your files, printers etc. They could also use some more esoteric tools to gain control of your system completely.

Here's an interesting link regarding Wirless LAN security. I would HIGHLY advise you to set up the security - change the default username/password on the AP/Router, Disable SSID, Enable WEP/WPA, and use MAC Address Filtering.

Answer 2

Somebody near your house who can pick up the signal could use your network to access the Internet, basically anonymously, looking like it was you. This could potentially be bad; though a lot of people leave their wifi open specifically so people can do this, as a friendly gesture.

This will also give them the potential ability to see the data going over your network. If you don't use secure connections for your important or secret Internet data, they could see this.

One option that is simpler than encryption that is available on some wireless routers is to simply block out all devices except the ones you know about. This will require you knowing or determining the MAC addresses of all your wireless devices.

Answer 3

In addition to the fact anyone can access your LAN and internet, you are allowing them access to any PC's within your home. Wireless routers transmit signals up to 100 feet, and depending on how close you are to the road or neighbors houses, you most certainly are allowing others to gain access to your network.
Without "WEP" security enabled, there is no block or firewall keeping others from your Home Network ... if it was just internet access there wouldn't be a major problem. The issue lies in the fact that your router is the accessible and it will provide your IP address detail to anyone who wants it, as well as them to control the ports on your router (which allow access in the future even if you lock up the router), In addition, if any computer on your network is "Sharing" folders ... those folders are accessible to these people as well.

The best thing to do at this point is "factory reset" your router to wipe out any changes someone else may have made, and then secure your network with 128 WEP security.

Hope this helps!

Answer 4

Most people would just steal your bandwith if you left your wireless conection open but there is always the possiblity of worse things happening. You don't want anyone else with your credit card numbers or other personal info do you? Not to mention some idiots may try to use your connection to send spam, or do all sorts of illegal activity. If they track it back geuss who's door the authorities will be knocking on.

Answer 5

Yes it's true. Keep at least a general firewall on at all times. If the wireless connection belongs to you, make sure you secure it and password protect it that way noone else can have access. If it doesn't belong to you, try to stay away from accessing important information (bank info, credit card info, ect) until you can secure your computer or until you can get to a secure connection.

Answer 6

instantaneous is way less shelter than than DSL and Cable, basically through actual undeniable truth that that's everywhere/everywhere, that's not tied all the way down to a jack in a wall connnected to a cable. someone would not might want to smash into your domicile to apply instantaneous, in case you had an insecure community set up, they could basically park interior the line outdoors! instantaneous is slower than DSL and Cable. also, searching on how previous your computing device is, you received't manage to apply the better community encryption criteria obtainable with domicile windows XP SP2 besides. Regards the 2d question, it relies upon on what your information superhighway connection is, as to what you tell those cyber web web content. once you're on Cable, tell it T1, in the different case bypass for between the slower suggestions.

Answer 7

It's more likely that someone in your neighborhood will gain internet access thru your wireless than that any private information will be stolen. I mean, even thieves know easier ways to get your info than stalking thru neighborhoods.

Nevertheless, it's a good idea to secure your network for that reason alone. If you're using your network, you don't want to compete with a pirate for your bandwidth.

Answer 8

Your data can be stolen. Secure your line immediately !