That depends on whether you have secured your wireless network or not. Wireless networks send out a signal for other wireless devices to find. For example if you park outside of just about any Starbucks across the nation with a wireless laptop, your laptop will pick up Starbucks Wi-Fi hotspot wireless signal.
Likewise, if you have an unsecured wireless network in your home or business, anyone with a wireless device that comes within range will be able pick up the signal and log on. However, if you have a secured wireless network, these devices may “see” the signal but they won’t be able to connect unless they know the password.
What’s the big deal if someone accesses your wireless network? The big deal is that they can transmit infected files as well as snoop. First, if the unauthorized computer has a virus or worm, it’s possible that this malware will infect the other computers on your wireless network. Next, do you really want others to be able to browse the contents of your computer’s hard drive?
Another concern involves neighbors who might take advantage of your unsecured wireless network for their Internet access. If they can pick up your wireless signal and log on to your unsecured wireless network, they can also use your Internet connection. Do you want this?
The following post goes over steps for securing your wireless network:
http://filetonic.com/blog/2008/07/07/secure-wireless-network/
Now, what if you have guests in the home who would like to access your network with their laptop in order to use your wireless Internet access? If your wireless network is secured, they won’t be able to log on without your assistance. If you’re okay with giving houseguests access to your network, enter the password or passphrase on their behalf when prompted. Depending on if you’ve restricted MAC addresses, you may need to “trust” the new computer.
However, when allowing others into your network, you’ll want to make sure that your computer does not have network discovery or file sharing turned on. Otherwise, any connected computer can access your computer and read your personal files. Go to the Control Panel and find the Network and Sharing Center. In this center, you can change your network’s settings including network discovering and file sharing.
Depending on the situation, it may be easier to allow your houseguests to use your computer to connect to the Internet. If your houseguests simply need to look up directions to their next destination or check a Web-based e-mail account, you might offer your computer for these purposes. However, don’t give them full access. Just as houseguests often snoop in medicine cabinets, curiosity might tempt them to peek at your Quicken or Microsoft Money files. Instead, password protect your log on and then create a Guest account for your guests to use. This way, they can surf the Internet without having full access to your wireless network and computer’s contents.
Celeste Stewart | July 12th, 2008
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