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Unsecured Wireless Network Hacking
1/19/2009

Posted on 01/19/2009 3:27:07 PM PST by srfsnw11

i have an unsecured wireless network in my apartment. I recently was on my laptop and the touchpad mouse was disabled saying it had been disabled because a new pointing device had been added to my computer, that was weird because i had not plugged a mouse into the laptop. After that I notice a file i had never seen before on my desktop and I have no idea how it got there. so i checked the properties of the file and it said it had been last accessed at a time that i was not even home, and no one could have gotten into my apartment. I heard that people can gain access to your ACTUAL computer through an unsecure wireless network, is it possible for someone to add a mouse and a file to my actaul computer though? and if they do gain access to my computer are they in control of it and thats how it said my computer was accessed at a time i was not even home?


TOPICS: Computers/Internet
KEYWORDS: addedfiles; hackers; help; unsecurewireless
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1 posted on 01/19/2009 3:27:08 PM PST by srfsnw11
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To: srfsnw11; ShadowAce

Sometimes, ‘remote control’ software can add ‘virtual device drivers’ to an operating system. I’ve never heard of one installing a pointing device, but you can’t rule it out.

Lockdown your network... NOW, backup your data, and reinstall the OS.... after you secure your network.


2 posted on 01/19/2009 3:31:18 PM PST by KoRn
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To: srfsnw11

I know when I was setting up my wireless network at home, they (the tech support) wanted to make sure I didn’t have neighbors nearby who could access my computer through the network card in my laptop. I live in on several acres, so no problem there, but they mentioned living in an apartment could be a problem.

As far as accessing your computer, I have no idea. Is your computer hooked up to a modem and a wireless network zone in your apartment? Or just on a wireless card?


3 posted on 01/19/2009 3:31:32 PM PST by autumnraine
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To: srfsnw11

Why is it unsecured? I would secure it immediately.


4 posted on 01/19/2009 3:31:33 PM PST by passionfruit (When illegals become legal, even they won't do work Americans won't do)
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To: srfsnw11

Basically yes. Why aren’t you running a secure network with encryption? It takes only a few minutes to set up.


5 posted on 01/19/2009 3:32:45 PM PST by Kirkwood
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To: srfsnw11

Just put a software firewall on your own computer. That should help...

With a Macintosh (which I’m using), it wouldn’t be done unless I had downloaded some software that allowed that. I do have some software that allows remote access, but it’s software that I’ve installed and it’s protected. Besides, most of the time, I have the firewall shutting off access to that functionality.

It’s possible, as you describe it, I don’t know how probable it would be in your case. In my case, not very probable...

The accessing of the file, by the way, could have been done by the operating system, too (in an automated function)... I can go to a list of all files accessed in a certain time frame and find that the operating system has accessed all sorts of files that I have nothing to do with.


6 posted on 01/19/2009 3:32:50 PM PST by Star Traveler
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To: srfsnw11

Turn off your wireless card in BIOS. Is the wireless network the apartment’s or yours? What OS are you running?


7 posted on 01/19/2009 3:33:18 PM PST by randomhero97 ("First you want to kill me, now you want to kiss me. Blow!" - Ash)
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To: srfsnw11

Running an unsecured wireless network is bad. You probably should not do that anymore.


8 posted on 01/19/2009 3:34:20 PM PST by TheWasteLand
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To: srfsnw11

Windows?

Run a firewall program.

I use Comodo Firewall. It has high ratings and is free for home use.

http://www.freewarefiles.com/Comodo-Firewall-Pro_program_22954.html


9 posted on 01/19/2009 3:36:26 PM PST by TomGuy
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To: srfsnw11

Unsecured wireless networks are very stupid. Unsecured wireless networks in an apartment building are beyond stupid.

You might as well take the door to your apartment OFF THE HINGES PERMANENTLY and remove all the doors inside your apartment as well. So that anyone passing by in the hallway can see you showering and sitting on the toilet.

why not leave your computer on and sitting in the hallway when you aren’t home? It’s the same thing.

You got what you deserved. And someone in your building did it. They now know who you are and how dumb you are. Do you know who they are?


10 posted on 01/19/2009 3:37:29 PM PST by mamelukesabre (Si Vis Pacem Para Bellum (If you want peace prepare for war))
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To: srfsnw11

Yes, to answer your questions simply! Why on earth are you on an unsecured network and why do you leave your system on when your not present? Your asking for trouble that you don’t need. It appears that your system has been compromised. I suggest removing the file on your desktop, , remove the unwanted mouse driver, run a virus scan, check for malicious ad-ware, and secure your network. Hopefully you have your system backed up to a previous date that you can easily restore to. Good luck!


11 posted on 01/19/2009 3:40:41 PM PST by 41Thunder (Live free or Die...Dammit)
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To: rdb3; Calvinist_Dark_Lord; GodGunsandGuts; CyberCowboy777; Salo; Bobsat; JosephW; ...

12 posted on 01/19/2009 3:40:48 PM PST by ShadowAce (Linux -- The Ultimate Windows Service Pack)
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To: srfsnw11

Welcome to Free Republic.


13 posted on 01/19/2009 3:43:31 PM PST by sionnsar (IranAzadi|5yst3m 0wn3d-it's N0t Y0ur5(SONY)|http://trad-anglican.faithweb.com/|TaglineSpaceForRent)
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To: srfsnw11
i have an unsecured wireless network in my apartment.

WHY???????????????

14 posted on 01/19/2009 3:46:57 PM PST by FreePaul
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To: srfsnw11
Did you access the unsecured wireless network, or did you hook up a wireless router to your own DSL or cable modem for your own wireless network within your apartment?

If this is your own wireless network, then do several basic things:

I'm sure there is more that you can do, but these are the basics that I recall.

-PJ

15 posted on 01/19/2009 3:49:39 PM PST by Political Junkie Too (You can never overestimate the Democrats' ability to overplay their hand.)
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To: srfsnw11

In a word, yes it is possible. If your machine is up and unprotected, I can work magic (white or black) on your machine.


16 posted on 01/19/2009 3:50:32 PM PST by taxcontrol
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To: srfsnw11

I agree with all the pointers here that have been given.

Here’s one thing: what is your def of “unsecured” do you mean

completely open & free / no password protected on “AVAILABLE

WIRELESS NETWORK” where you should be appearing?

Please call your provider to request encryption / WPA2

key that only you have .... It will also show up on the

list then as WPA2 (Available Wireless Network).

Now, here’s the dig, you could/should have a LAN

that’s password protected. You don’t have to operate

solely on wireless if you have LAN/you can still do both

at the same time but better for you to use LAN.

If moving from room to room or using laptop not at a

desk of course you will use WIRELESS with your location

of choice but call your provider and ask for WPA2(key)

there’s no charge for helping you set that up.


17 posted on 01/19/2009 3:50:52 PM PST by MissDairyGoodnessVT (Scooters work good in Vermont snow)
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To: srfsnw11

And you joined Free Republic today, January 19,2009?


18 posted on 01/19/2009 3:54:35 PM PST by MissDairyGoodnessVT (Scooters work good in Vermont snow)
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To: srfsnw11
I'm thinking troll.
19 posted on 01/19/2009 3:56:51 PM PST by kittycatonline.com
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To: srfsnw11

Turn off remote assistance and remote desktop in your system properties tab in my computer by unchecking the checkbox. disable your wireless access before you do this.


20 posted on 01/19/2009 4:10:31 PM PST by Always Independent
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