I have a WiFi related question, any input will be GREATLY appreciated..
By janjabu
@janjabu (110)
Qatar
March 11, 2007 1:52pm CST
There's an unsecured (by this, I mean that no password is required) WiFi access in my building, and it's very easy to just connect to it. This is, by the way, what I'm using for my internet at the moment. My question is originally, "is there any way for the person hosting this access to gain entry into the files of my hard drive?" and now I came to think of another one, "is it possible for this host to send a virus to my computer without my knowledge?"
Also, maybe it would help if I mention that I'm using a Mac, because I understand there are few viruses that would infect this type of OS. I know that the host could probably see the name of the computers using her (because I live in an all-girl building) WiFi, but could she actually DO something to my computer?
If the case is indeed that she CAN access my hard disk, and thus send me viruses or whatnot, does that follow for WiFi hotspots situated all over? Like for your local coffee shop giving free WiFi access, perhaps? Can they send you a virus, just like that?
Please help :) I recently got this computer and would like to take ALL precaution regarding viruses and such. Thank you in advance!
3 responses
@Asylum (47893)
• Manchester, England
11 Mar 07
The access to the internet is not the same as the access to a computer. In order to be able to access files on another computer using the same connection you would need to be using the same workgroup name which would create a home network. Assuming that the other users have the same workgroup name as you, then they can still only see or use the files in folders that you have set for sharing.
@kheyanne (287)
• Philippines
23 Jul 07
If you are connected to the internet, it doesn't follow that your hard drive is exposed - unless of course you configured that computer to do just that. By default, they are not.
The only concerns you have now is the same viruses that comes from the Internet, which all of us are prone to.
If your computer is protected from Internet hackers, don't be afraid. But for your peace of mind, why not get an Internet access of your own?
@felicas83 (311)
• Ecuador
13 Mar 07
i don't tink so, what she can do is block the access of your computer to the internet, looking up for your mac address, but i don't think she can do anything else, unless she has an advanced knowledge of computers, and of mac, cause there are a lot of securitys on mac system that will not allow just anyone to control your computer. The risk exist in all, computers or mac, but you will be better protected on a mac
