I just moved into a new home. We don't have any ISP in our home as it is brand new. My son was using my MacBook and a box popped up asking if he wanted to connect to the internet and he did. It is a very high speed connection, but I don't know whose it is. We are not very near any other house that has it. The closest house that may have it is less than a quarter of a mile away. If we did use the connection, would there be any chance that the person with the connection would see what we are seeing on our screens with email etc? Thanks.
2007-10-03 04:34:20 · 9 answers · asked by Jason G 1 in Computers & Internet ➔ Security
Until you find out whose wireless connection you are using and ask for permission to use it, you are considered to be "stealing" which is punishable by law.
It depends on the setup of the person's wireless system whether or not he/she can see what you are doing.
I would not personally get involved with this activity until you find out about the network and its owner.
2007-10-03 04:41:23 · answer #1 · answered by Jon H 1 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Not very likely that there are any privacy issues on your end but that is not considered polite behavior. What your neighbor WILL be able to see is that someone is logged on to their wireless connection. If your computer has an identifying name (Tom's Computer), then the neighbor can figure out who is leeching.
I wouldn't count on it always being there either. As soon as the neighbor figures out that someone is riding their connection, they'll probably password protect it.
2007-10-03 04:39:24 · answer #2 · answered by Beth 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Yes. There is a high chance that anyone can see what is being delivered to your computer, But not as you would think. They won't be able to see what your are seeing on your screen (unless you use something like Timbuktu for your mac), but they will be able to sniff the packets (data) that pass threw the network. Think of it as being able to sniff the air and knowing something is being cooked but no knowing how it will be served. The more sophisticated hackers have tools that will help them decipher what the packets are for and how they will be used. Some of these tools include the ability to decipher passwords and user logins that are transmitted via a network.
2007-10-03 04:44:26 · answer #3 · answered by Luna Y Sol 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You shouldn't allow your son to access the internet with this connection without the persons permission. It's impolite, and it's theft. I don't understand how you could even begin to imagine that it's OK to use this connection.
2007-10-03 05:05:38 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hmm, 90% of the time, it would be very unlikely. It's because there are very few people with the expertise needed to know. Although he can know that you are using his internet connection, it's very unlikely he can see and/or monitor the stuff you are doing.
2007-10-03 04:43:23 · answer #5 · answered by venereal_madness 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They could probably see you on their connection but they probably would not be able to see stuff like e-mails and any other web activity. If they see you they might in crypt it so you can't use their connection.
2007-10-03 04:40:39 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Regardless of where this signal is coming from it's not yours.
It could be some 60 year couples unsecured wireless, or some younger kid who likes catching people connectiong to his little trap.
Its your risk.
2007-10-03 04:38:21 · answer #7 · answered by David P 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Yes, the person who "owns" this connection can tell if someone else is using it. And, by the way, borrowing someone elses internet connection is not legal.
As to weather they can see your screens, the answer is yes, if they are knowledgeable enough to know how to do so. Remember, you are connecting to "their" network so "they" are the "Administrator".
2007-10-03 04:44:14 · answer #8 · answered by Ron M 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
They are not going to see "your screen" Over all you are safe. Some communities even have city wide WiFi access available to their citizens.
2007-10-03 04:38:36 · answer #9 · answered by ohio44903 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋