Hackers from the same household?

Question

Hi,

I'd like to know - is it possible to hack into somebody's computer (Mac) from another computer whilst being in the same household?

there are three computers in the house, two a PC's and mine is a mac. My mac is the computer that receives the broadband cable direct from the street. The other two PC's obtain the net via wireless (Belkin Box) - which is rigged up to my Mac. I have a suspicion that somebody in the next room from me (with there own PC) might be somehow hacking into my computer via an IP tracking device and my wireless net (which I gave them permission to use), though I have no evidence at the moment for this activity. Would it be possible for them to do this?

Today a song and a playlist they had created for there own iTunes appeared in my iTunes...which I couldn't understand. He hasn't sent me the song nor playlist and yet it appears in my own personal iTunes display.

Would it also be possible for a next door neighbour to do the same thing?

If all of this is possible - is there any way I can find out which IP's have gained access to my computer so I can obtain some proof?

Thank you for all help given...

Answer 1

"A song and playlist appearing in your iTunes"?

They have Limewire running. It is a Peer-To-Peer  file sharing application. Limewire has the ability to allow users on the same network to see the songs they have downloaded.

The default name of the playlist is "<username>'s Limewire iTunes" and the playlist icon is normally green. It is nothing more than a shared playlist. They have not hacked your computer.

If your wireless device is not using WEP or WPA (passwords) then your next door  neighbour can use your wireless device to gain access to the internet, other wise you are safe.

Answer 2

Hi,

sorry to tell you but "NO one can access your system" using your router as only your shared folder will show up, so please don't think your other flat mates are hacking your system, a lot of people blame your people for messing with there system only to find out it's something that they have done. hope this helps you.

Answer 3

The reason the song and playlist appeared in your iTunes might be that your iTunes is set to "Look for Shared Libraries". You can turn this off by going to "Preferences" in iTunes then click on "Sharing".

As for your Hacking question, yes it is possible to "Hack" into your Mac but by default Macs ship with all none essential services disabled but to improve security enable your Firewall. Depending on which version of OS X you're running it's in either System Preferences/Sharing or System Preferences/Security.

To be honest if you enable the your firewall and disable any sharing you'll be secure enough to stop hackers.

Answer 4

first you should #OT be using your machine to connect the others. This  is going to slow it down and does leave you open to hacking. you should connect a router to the line, then connect ALL the machines to the router,either wired or wireless. Also ALWAYS use encryption, or neighbours, and local criminals can use your connection. If you do not, by the time you read this a local criminal could have sent thousands of child p**n and money scam emails from your connection. If they trace back is is your door the police will break down (literally) and your equipment they will confiscate.