"Borrowing" Wireless Connection

Me ^ | 2006-11-18 | Me

[wesley_windam-price]

Hi there: When I am on the road, I often "borrow" wireless connection on unsecured networks. I am not doing anything malicious but is there a danger of the host network compromising my computer, such as accessing my files or capturing passwords when I enter them in on the browser.

Thanks for any info you can offer.

[wolfcreek]

You could stop by Starbucks, Micky D's or any number of establishments that offer it for free. That way no one could accuse you of theft.

[octobersky]

For over a year my SSID was broadcast as netgear because I didn't know any better. Hey, the thing worked right out of the box after figuring out what wires go where and that was good enough for me. I have since learned how to lock things down to keep the neighbors out.

[MotleyGirl70]

...such as accessing my files or capturing passwords when I enter them in on the browser.

Go to Tools...Delete Cookies...Delete files...Delete history, but if you're sharing with another person I'm not sure--at least delete your cookies.

Your FR user name and p/w can be hanging out there.

Just my .02. :)

[SampleMan]

Simply encrypting it would have worked. Mine does.

[wesley_windam-price]

Thanks to all who replied. It's a probably not a good
idea to piggyback on someone else's network, esp. when
passwords and personal info are involved. Have a good
weekend.

[Gene1536]

I don't believe I agree with your statement of that person stealing! There will be two schools on this and we are wasting our time debating it. If you don't want to use an unsecured wireless connection then don't. If someone wants to use it - then so be it. See how easy that was?? To label people because they don't act the way you do - is purely stupid! The difference in opinions and actios is clearly what makes the world go around.

[jimt]

Setting up security on wireless is easier than you think. My Linksys router offers a one button "Secure Easy Setup".

I chose to set up manually, with no SSID broadcast, WPA encryption and MAC address filtering, but that's just my own paranoia speaking.

The one button default is pretty good, and you can get rid of at least a few of those wires.

[Poser]

"I don't believe I agree with your statement of that person stealing! There will be two schools on this and we are wasting our time debating it. If you don't want to use an unsecured wireless connection then don't. If someone wants to use it - then so be it. See how easy that was?? To label people because they don't act the way you do - is purely stupid! The difference in opinions and actios is clearly what makes the world go around."

If you don't what to steal a car, then don't. If someone wants to use it, then so be it.

Same thing. Wrong is wrong.