Ethernet/wifi - Security?

[bainbrig]

Are there any (real) security considerations in using Ethernet over WiFi for connecting with the internet on my desktop computer?

The idea of someone sitting outside trying to tap into my Answerbank details to steal my user name seems a bit far-fetched.

BillB

[Guilbert53]

Its not about them getting your Answerbank details.

However if they can connect to the internet through your router then they could be doing all sorts of things (hacking, criminal activities etc) which YOU might get blamed for as it was YOUR router.

Also they could start downloading films or whatever over your broadband to THEIR computer, making your system slower, and maybe using up your Broadband limit if you have one.

Also if, for example, you were registered on Amazon (or eBay) they could hack in to your computer and find you Amazon / ebay Logon details.

They could then change the address to THEIR address and order a Rolls Royce or other expensive item using YOUR Credit Card details.

The first you would know about it was when you get your credit card bill.

A few years ago I used to work for a large computer company and they had wi fi all over the building.

Some employees would drive close to the building at the weekend and without even getting out their car they would connect to the wi fi and download all their mail.

Make sure you have good security on your wi fi.

[bainbrig]

Thanks guilbert. Just to confirm, by “wifi security”, do you just mean the password needed to connect, or is there some deeper stuff I should look at? Also, my home router is always connected - is this an issue?

Ta

BillB

[AZardoz]

Your router should have WPA2.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wireless_security
Of course, a wired connection (Ethernet) is best.

[bainbrig]

AZardoz. Router is WPA. My desktop Mac has ethernet and wifi connection to the router, but my iPad has (obviously) only wifi. Would you recommend that I turn off the Mac’s wifi connection? It doesn’t do much anyway!

BillB

[AZardoz]

Use Ethernet with your home computers if possible.
Tablets - you probably don't have crucial files on those, but they can be a vulnerable link if you sync with your computers.
It might be a good idea to get a new router. WPA is rather old:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wi-Fi_Protected_Access
As you said, unlikely that you would be targeted, but there are nasty gits out there & they always find new ways of causing grief.

[bainbrig]

Thanks AZ, good pointers.

BillB

[Alara_Erickson]

You can use proxy in order to hide your real IP while using Wi-Fi network. It will secure you somehow. You can also use Tor browser that will not remember your history.