Cyber Sneaking

TheGeneral+ · Feb 19, 2004

Wireless home computer networks.

Not worth it. Cheap software, a laptop, and a wireless network adapter, you can drive around and look into others files easily. I will keep the wires. Others can use your system to hack and then it will be your info that is seen as the attacker.

Computer guys...

What do you do to protect yourself if you want wireless? is it guaranteed?

Thanks

fathead · Feb 20, 2004

You can restrict access to your network by allowing only specific laptops identified by their unique MAC address. If someone is driving around looking for wireless networks, they may find yours but they won't be able to use it, because they will not be on the access list.

fathead · Feb 20, 2004

Also, as far as looking around on someone's hard drive, this is only possible if you have actually gone in and enabled file sharing for the root drive (usually C drive). Most computers running windows have maybe one folder set up for file sharing (in XP it is the "shared documents" folder), and that's it.

TheGeneral+ · Feb 20, 2004

Thanks fathead. That makes some sense to me. What about the ability of people to access the internet using your service and attacking others cyberly. The trace can come back to you?

fathead · Feb 20, 2004

They should not be able to access your wireless network unless you have added their MAC address to the access list. Also, the Wireless Router you would have set up your network with has a built in firewall, which should block the majority of hackers. If, somehow, access to your internet link was achieved, and the hacker started sending spam or doing other illegal things, it is probable that this would be traced back to your Internet account. I have heard of people having their Internet accounts temporarily frozen because their computer was being used by hackers to send spam.

Another point, you can use an encryption key to scramble the signal going to and from the wireless router and any computer using your network. This is a precaution in case there may be a sophisticated eavesdropper in your neighborhood trying to snag a password as you are using the Internet via wireless.

TheGeneral+ · Feb 21, 2004

I think I will just keep the wires for awhile. No time to look into all of the security involved. Im ready to fire off, but a little nervous now.

Thanks

fathead · Feb 21, 2004

It takes a little time to set up properly, but it is nice if you prefer a laptop. You can move around the house to work or sit in front of the TV, watching the game.

If you decide to take the plunge, I recommend Netgear routers.

TheGeneral+ · Feb 21, 2004

I am already using a Wireless B, but have not installed the wireless network adapters yet. A little hesitant.

chalkeater · Feb 21, 2004

General,

If you set up your wireless network securely as fathead has suggested, you will LOVE your wireless network, as it provides mobility and NO wires!

I have all three of my computers networked wirelessly. I wouldn't have it any other way.

Take care.

CE

go2guy · Feb 21, 2004

What about websites using cookies to track your page views of other sites, how much information can they get?

wolfie_cr · Feb 21, 2004

General, make sure you enable the WEP encryption option as well, enabling the restriction by MAC address disallows anyone from using your connection but they can still eavesdrop the packets as they are simply being broadcasted, by adding the WEP option they can not "see" the traffic just as easily

not completely secure but better than nothing at all