When setting up a wireless network ....?

Question

Can hackers still get on your pc when you have no encryption on the wi-fi or can they just use your internet connection and not get on your pc if you have a firewall.
Also how does this affect you ps3 or xbox live accounts, can they get onto your gamestations with out wi-fi encryption.

Answer 1

If your wireless access is open then other people will be able to get on to your network.

If they are on your network, then they CAN communicate with other computers on your network! Weather they know enough to log into your machine is another question But is it VERY possible that they can gain control of your computer. There are utilities out there to help them compromise your computer after they are communicating with it. Its only a matter of time before someone does ‘hack’ your computer if anybody in the area is able to access your network.

Plus you don’t want strangers on your network, they stuff they do…who knows what kinds of illegal activity, will be traced back to you!

I don’t like to set up encryption on my router cause it does slow things down, instead I like to set up Access Control Lists (ACLs) which tells the router explicitly which computers can and can not access the router.

Answer 2

Basically Marty is correct. Others will be able to use your internet connection providing they're within range of your base station. The question remains tho.....why have you no encryption? Most wi-fi routers/modems/systems have some form of encryption to stop this thing, be it WEP or WPA.

Answer 3

Using wi-fi without some form of access control is just like leaving your front door open when you go on vacation. You wouldn't do that so why would you not close your "network" door.