I have a wireless PC...Is it possible for someone to tap into my wireless signal and log on?

Question

I have a wireless PC...Is it possible for someone to tap into my wireless signal and log on?

Answer 1

Yes it is. Encrypting your network is excellent protection but it isn't 100% leak proof.

I highly doubt anyone would spend the time to hack a home network, but technically, it is possible. If you suspect your network is being hacked, I recommend changing the encryption key and upgrading your firewall, anti spyware, and antivirus.

To change WEP key:

1.Open Internet Explorer (or other internet browser, ie FIREFOX)

2.Type 192.168.0.1

3.If step two brought up a username and password box, skip step, if it didn't type 192.168.1.1

4. Google "<internet router brand> username password" and enter it there.

5.Look for security tools and WEP encryption in the setup

6.Go to http://www.powerdog.com/wepkey.cgi and type in a word to generate a new WEP key (highlight and copy it)

7. When you find the WEP encryption key section in your internet router setup, paste the new key in

8. Save and reconnect your computers with the new key

Go to http://www.download.com/Trend-Micro-Hija... and download Hijack This for anti spyware

Go to http://www.download.com/Avira-AntiVir-Pe... and download Avira Antivirus, the most secure free AV available.

Go to http://www.comodo.com/products/free_prod... and download Comodo firewall, virtually leak proof and better than most payed firewalls like McAfee and Norton

Answer 2

It isn't possible for someone to access your PC through its wireless connection.  All of the control is on the computer's end.

It is possible for someone to covertly connect to you wireless NETWORK if it is unsecured.  Log into your router settings and set up the WEP key.  This will ensure that only people who know the key will be able to access the network.

Answer 3

Whether it is secured or not, if someone wants in badly enough, they can get into your Lan. Its not difficult to crack a wireless lan, only time consuming, and if you're using wep, that time could be short.

Now, whether they can access your computer or not is another story. It would do well to turn off any network sharing/discovery services and file and printer sharing/media sharing, etc. when not in use on wireless Lan.

Suddenly you find your shared network folders empty, or files there that shouldn't be.

Answer 4

If your network is unsecured then yes,it's free game to the neighbors.And if you have file sharing enabled they can also access your files.Now you know what to do

Read this on how to enable security http://www.pcworld.com/article/130330/ho...