Wireless

[d1bble]

Hi everyone,
I’ve just bought a new laptop for work that has wireless on it and im amazed at just how many wireless networks there are out there. I work in the Lace Market in Nottingham and because it’s a cramped area there seem to be bloody loads of networks that aren’t secure.

Can you just (not that im going to, but curious) log on to their network and silently view their files?

[randlemarcus]

Yes, but theoretically you would be subject to the Computer Misuse Act, and jailed.

Better not to try and access files across other peoples networks, as that is technically hacking, but I'm sure using their internet connection accidentally is only a venial sin.

[_dobbo_]

It would depend on the network in question - any unsecured shared resources would potentially be visible, but anything that's secured (for instance requiring logon to a domain controller) wouldn't be visible unless you started hacking away.

[agent006]

One thing to bear in mind is that while you can see their network, they can see your laptop.

[TVRWhoa]

It also depends on whether any of them have shared access to their network, most people just allow access to their network (internet) as they haven't enabled wireless encryption - so this allows you to access the internet via their wireless network.

Most home computers are set up as 'workgroup'computers with a workgroup as MSHOME, which allows you to see other computers on a network in the same workgroup, but unless they enabled sharing then you won't be able to easily view files on their computer. (unless you want to start some hacking your way in).

Make sure on your wireless network, that you have SSID disabled and encryption enabled either WPA or WEP to prevent access to your wireless network easily.