wireless network

[sharon]

Hi, I just brought a new computer and its "wireless enabled". I don't want
to connect to the internet with the new computer at the moment.. Each time I
switch it on a message box opens and gives me details of secured and
unsecured networks. If I can see these networks is there a chance that
others might be able to hack into my computer? How can I make sure that I
don't compromise my computer? Incidently, I clicked "connect" on one of
these networks and discovered that I could access the internet.

 

[optikl]

Hi, I just brought a new computer and its "wireless enabled". I don't want
to connect to the internet with the new computer at the moment.. Each time I
switch it on a message box opens and gives me details of secured and
unsecured networks. If I can see these networks is there a chance that
others might be able to hack into my computer? How can I make sure that I
don't compromise my computer? Incidently, I clicked "connect" on one of
these networks and discovered that I could access the internet.

Yes, that's by design .

 

[Frankster]

Hi, I just brought a new computer and its "wireless enabled". I don't
want to connect to the internet with the new computer at the moment.. Each
time I switch it on a message box opens and gives me details of secured
and unsecured networks. If I can see these networks is there a chance
that others might be able to hack into my computer? How can I make sure
that I don't compromise my computer? Incidently, I clicked "connect" on
one of these networks and discovered that I could access the internet.

Two things. 1) Don't click on connect. 2) Right click on wireless interface
and choose "Dissable".

-Frank

 

[Fenton]

Hi, I just brought a new computer and its "wireless enabled". I don't want
to connect to the internet with the new computer at the moment.. Each time I
switch it on a message box opens and gives me details of secured and
unsecured networks. If I can see these networks is there a chance that
others might be able to hack into my computer? How can I make sure that I
don't compromise my computer? Incidently, I clicked "connect" on one of
these networks and discovered that I could access the internet.

You could select that network and get on the internet simply because it was
unsecured. First, it broadcast its name (versus not), and second, it did not
challenge you with a password.

For your own protection, treat a wireless connection as you would a wired
(antivirus, firewall, etc.). If you're in a public place, if someone was so
inclined, your network traffic could be sniffed. VPN offers some protection
there; check out publicvpn.com for a pubic solution.

 

[Ian Kenefick]

Hi, I just brought a new computer and its "wireless enabled". I don't want
to connect to the internet with the new computer at the moment.. Each time I
switch it on a message box opens and gives me details of secured and
unsecured networks.

Secure network is one which uses a key to prevent unauthorized access.
Examples of Wireless network security are WEP and WPA.

Unsecured networks use no encryption methods whatsoever. These are also
referred to as open networks.

If you have a wireless access point (router) then make sure you enable
wireless security, preferably WPA (WiFi Protected Access).

If I can see these networks is there a chance that
others might be able to hack into my computer?

No. You can see them, but as long as you don't join them then there is
no security risk as long as you configure your network card not to
automatically join networks.

How can I make sure that I
don't compromise my computer?

Just don't connect to networks which aren't yours. Enable wireless
security on your wireless router.

Incidently, I clicked "connect" on one of
these networks and discovered that I could access the internet.

Someone, perhaps a neighbour, should be informed his/her network is open
and they are at risk On the other hand it could be an open network by
design. I share my connection with my neighbours. This is on a seperate
LAN to that used by my computers of course!

 

[Duane Arnold]

Hi, I just brought a new computer and its "wireless enabled". I don't want
to connect to the internet with the new computer at the moment.. Each time I
switch it on a message box opens and gives me details of secured and
unsecured networks. If I can see these networks is there a chance that
others might be able to hack into my computer? How can I make sure that I
don't compromise my computer? Incidently, I clicked "connect" on one of
these networks and discovered that I could access the internet.

In your situation with a single machine that has a wireless connection
and you don't have a wireless router or AP, no one can hack into your
computer wirelessly that I know about. However, if you have a wireless
NAT router or stand alone wireless Access Point, then someone could join
your wireless network like you have done and be all over the top of your
machines and hack your machines even if the machines were using a wire
or wireless connection.

If you do go to a wireless situation yourself, then here are some basics.

http://netsecurity.about.com/cs/wireless/a/aa112203_2.htm

Duane

 

[drifter]

Hi, I just brought a new computer and its "wireless enabled". I don't want
to connect to the internet with the new computer at the moment.. Each time I
switch it on a message box opens and gives me details of secured and
unsecured networks. If I can see these networks is there a chance that
others might be able to hack into my computer? How can I make sure that I
don't compromise my computer? Incidently, I clicked "connect" on one of
these networks and discovered that I could access the internet.

Go to control panel, network connections, right click the connection you do not want and disable it.

Re-enable when you decide to go live. This will prevent others from
seeing you.
If your machine is wireless enabled it simply means its ready to connect
with inbuilt services and hardware. You have an unsecured network close
to you which connects you to the internet. Yes, people will be able to
see you. Use a fire wall, if you have XP this should, by default, be on
anyway.