borrowed bandwidth

[drashish]

I live in a apt comblex. Everytime I view my laptop connection to my linksys cable modem wireless G router, I see several "wireless network connections." Others are listed as secured and mine is listed as "unsecured wireless network."

1. Does this mean people can see my network, and "borrow my bandwidth."

2. Can they get onto and see files on my computer that are shared?

My SSID is set for broadcast so my laptop can seee the connection.

4. How can I make it secure without getting rid of the broadcast SSID, if possible?

Thanks in advance

 

[bcastner]

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/prodtechnol/winxppro/maintain/wnsec.mspx

 

[JOAMON]

Change default ssid...change default admin password...enable wep...and from the advanced wireless tab set it up to allow onlt the mac address for your laptop to connect. You dont need ssid broadcast on as long as you add the wireless network to your wireless networks list. The answer is yes...you are an open door to whoever wants to get in.....they dont need there own internet connection....they have yours.

 

[bcastner]

If using the native XP Wireless Zero configuration service, leave broadcast of the SSID on. It is not of any security benefit. See:

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;Q811427

The rest of JOAMON's post is correct. But, if your wireless adapter and router can support WPA, use this instead of WEP. See my earlier link as to why.