Resolved Wireless security problem/worry/question.

My DESKTOP is:-


Windows XP with SP3.

Wireless modem/router with Firewall (I presume)

'Zone Alarm' Firewall installed. (auto updated).


My LAPTOP is:-


Windows 7 with Windows7 Firewall. (auto updated)

'Hotspot Shield' used almost every time (except when I forget) when I log on to the desktop modem/router.
The laptop logs onto my desktops wireless modem/router automatically at start up.



My concern is:-


Can Mr next door see/find my laptop and log into it and read my emails, download any files, etc?

WITH 'Hotspot Shield, and/or WITHOUT 'Hotspot Shield'?


Yesterday I walked past my laptop, and it was logged into my home page (WITHOUT Hotspot Shield), and I had not touched it for an hour or so, but the USB portable HD light was flashing. I assume it was up loading or downloading something.


Advice would be greatly appreciated.


ozjohn

 

Yes he can if you have not secured your wireless network. Go into your wireless router & check if you have any security on [WPA/WPA2]. If the security is on & you have given a strong password [123456,abcdefg,qwerty etc. are NOT passwords], you may be quite safe unless Mr.Next door is hell bent on reading your data.

 

rsinfo.


Thank you for that.

I do have the security, and 8 letter+4 number+dot password so it should be OK.


ozjohn.

 

Hi ozjohn39, welcome to WindowsBBS

It depends on your level of security, WEP is easily broken WPA/2 is a lot more difficult.

The flashing HD light could be anything from the OS accessing the swap file or a scheduled Defrag/Error check/Virus Scan etc

 

Thanks Wildfire,

I could not identfy any scans or updates or such at the time but we shall see.

John.



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