is it hazard to my computer to use a unsecured wireless connection?
i know that my conputer is unsecured...
from the word it sel,,
but i want to know is how dangerous it is???
or it is OK??
2007-12-14 14:44:32 · 3 answers · asked by jhie 3 in Computers & Internet ➔ Computer Networking
The real answer to that is very wide. First, whose unsecured network? Is it yours, then its a whole lot safer than just one you see open and connect into.
If you connect to an unknown network well, you are connected to a NETWORK and only the owner of the network knows what intent was used to keep it open. ID thefts have and do occur daily this way. Its a really big deal around really public places! If the network thats open has packet sniffing/recording on it then every thing you do, everything you send, all your email passwords etc are then available to the "owner of that system". Just log into one of these and then log on to you BANK or credit card account! Guess what your account is now known to the operator of that network. SO FIRST KNOW THE NETWORK!
Second, if the network is yours, then someone nearby can indeed "intercept" all the packets sent between you and the router! Once again, you become very vunerable to password theft etc. However, if its at your house the bad guy would have to be within range so only a couple of hundred feet or so is "at risk."
If that isn't enough reason for you to secure your network and not just use any available open one, I don't know what to tell you. I have only touched on the really OPEN issues haven't even touched on the many other ones. Your computer picking up a virus or other bad thing is the least of your worries!
Hope that helps
Merry Christmas and God Bless
Stay safe and only use networks you know!
2007-12-14 14:58:48 · answer #1 · answered by Tracy L 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It depends on where your connecting, private or public networks, what software protection you have on your computer(firewalls, anti-virus). If you don't have any of this on your system then entering public networks is inherently risky.
2007-12-14 14:55:34 · answer #2 · answered by bearfer46 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
if it's unsecured, some nefarious person could possibly connect to your pc and download your personal information....or worse.....but what are the chances of that happening???....giggle, giggle, giggle
2007-12-14 14:49:02 · answer #3 · answered by Hugh_G_Rection 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋