WiFi Password

Jud149 · Oct 20, 2015

I recently had a discussion re the security need for a password for a home WiFi. Several have told me you don't need one. I believe this to be untrue but could someone elaborate on this as to potential problems security and otherwise?

plodr · Oct 20, 2015

Look at sites for securing a home network and one of the first things mentioned is to change the password from the default.

http://compnetworking.about.com/od/wirelesssecurity/tp/wifisecurity.htm
http://www.mywifirouter.me/topic/7-wifi-security-tips-for-home-wifi-security-you-must-know/
http://www.computer-networking-success.com/wifi-security.html
http://www.chinatownconnection.com/wifi-security.htm

What happens if you either do not have a password or do not change it from the default? Anyone with a strong wifi unit or even a sniffer program can find your network, waltz in and if you have file and print sharing turned on, go through the files on your computer. They could also upload junk to your computer.

foogoo · Oct 20, 2015

I'm guessing you mean a password to join the wifi? Anyone can join your network if it is "open" (not encrypted with a key), then is is just a few simple network scans to see everything on your network, open shares, printers. Then the Internet, I could use his network to download *anything* maybe get a torrent or 2 of the latest movies, maybe something a little more perverted.. maybe I even hide it in a share on his system, then the law gets involved. If I own the open wifi, I'd have to prove it was not me. Good luck.
Just joining an open hotspot is illegal without permission.

Though using an open Wi-Fi network doesn’t feel like hacking, the federal Computer Fraud and Abuse Act sees things differently. That 1986 law makes it a felony to access computer systems, including routers, without authorization.
Click to expand...

https://www.techdirt.com/articles/2...court-says-using-open-wifi-may-be-crime.shtml

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WiFi Password

Jud149 First Sergeant

plodr MajorGeek Super Extraordinaire Moderator Staff Member

foogoo Major "foogoo" Geek