What COULD happen if I connect to someone else's unsecured wireless router?

Question

When I click on "find wireless networks", I see mine and others (neighbors, I imagine). One of them is called "Linksys Unsecured". If I was to click on that router and stay connected for an hour (or all day) what are the possible repercussions?

Can that person access my computer?

Answer 1

The technical problem with connecting to an unsecured wireless network, an open public router, or even a pay to access network, is that the other computers on the same network are part of the local network, so can launch local attacks, while many software firewalls default to a more permissive policy for local networks.

If there are unprotected shared resources, they could be accessed, while your own router would normally prevent access by anyone outside the local network.

That's basically it, a being "local" to untrusted machines adds a lot more avenues for probing and attack, which would not be possible from the outside.

A network advertising as "unsecured", unless that is simply the default, could be construed as an invitation for guest access.

Answer 2

well... it is illigal, but you could either get kicked out of the network. and yes they can access your computer. the most i do is send them a message telling them to get off the network and kick em off! lol the worst that could happen is theyd freak out and call the cops... but nobody does that

Answer 3

It is assumed that you are using the router to gain access to the internet without paying for your own?  That's a pretty sad admission to make.  I had a neighbor that used to hook a hose up to my house to water his lawn...what you are doing is not much different.

However to evaluate this question, you need to separate this into what is possible and what is likely to occur.  It certainly is possible for them to access your files, log your activity and legally pursue compensation for your invasion of his netork.  However, since he lives close enough to other people and didn't secure it, he probably isn't a threat.  However, since it is an open network, there may be other neighbors also doing the same thing as you who are more malicious.  They may be able to do more than you realize.  Using a secure network protects you as much as it does anything.

Grow up and pay for your access... it really isn't that expensive.

Answer 4

First it is not illegal to connect to an unsecured router as long as you do not make any changes to the network. It is up to the person who runs the network to secure it.

Remember I said you can connect to it and use it only. No changes, even for the better.

As for the guy above who had his water stolen, I understand him being angry, and he has every right to be. But the laws governing broadcast data are totally seperate from regular laws and is governed by the FCC. Not the police.

Now for the guy who got hosed, I hope you got revenge, because I know I would have.

-tcw

Answer 5

No they can't access you computer. They can access what you used while on their network like the websites you were on, but im pretty sure thats all they can do. Also, they can kick you off their network while you are on...if they catch you that is.

Answer 6

As long as you have your own firewall turned on I don't think they can access your comp. I use someones else's at my dad's often. Lots of coffee shops have open networks and Mc donalds.  I leave mine open sometimes I don't mind others using it as long as my laptop is fully protected.

Answer 7

Nothing. But if they find out they could file a report against you. It IS STEALING. i did it when i got my computer and didnt know how to hook it up to my own internet. I called DELL and they said I COULD get in trouble for it.

No they cannot access your computer unless they are a hacker. lol But they CAN find out your stealing their wi-fi.