Unsecured ad hoc network security question

[gekkota]

I set up an unsecured ad hoc network on my pc so that I can connect my Touch to the App Store wirelessly. (I attempted to set up a secure network using a password, but it was a disaster...)
I am not using a router, only a tiny antenna and the wireless card on the pc.

So, my total noob-ish question is this: Can other people connect to it if I am not using a router? I was thinking that maybe they can't, since the signal is probably not very strong without a router. Can other people connect to my computer and see what I am doing? (which is basically nothing other than going to the App Store.) I disconnect the network when I am done using it. Is this ok, security-wise?
Thanks...

[Ed2020]

Can other people connect to it if I am not using a router?


Yes, they can.


Can other people connect to my computer and see what I am doing?


Yep, and dependent on how secure your PC is they may be able to see rather more than that.


Is this ok, security-wise?


It wouldn't be as far as I'm concerned. Granted, they'd have to be in range so this limits the risks but any unsecured wireless network is a big no-no as far as I'm concerned.

You can pick up a decent router for next to nothing nowadays. The WRT54G is perfectly good; or if you fancy putting a decent firmware on it go for the WRT54GL which, when loaded with DD-WRT firmware, is a fantastic piece of kit.

Ed.

[gekkota]

Hmmm...well, that doesn't sound all that good!
I appreciate your opinion, Ed2020.
When I turn on my wifi, I see that there are 5 other networks listed, and only one of them has the "lock" icon. So, I am guessing that all my neighbors also have an unsecured networks, but are apparently not as concerned about it as I am.

"I have a few more noob-ish questions," she said hopefully, "and maybe you, or another smart person can help me!" :confused:

1. If I walk outside my house, with my Ipod Touch in hand, and I can no longer receive the signal to my router-less ad hoc unsecured network, does that mean others will also not be able to connect to it? It would make me feel better if that were the case.

2. On my pc I have Norton Internet Security and firewall--would that help to protect my network?

3. As I said before, I only use the network for updating apps (don't even get me started on that nightmare!) I also want to use a program like Datacase, when it becomes available, for transferring files from my pc to my ipod touch so I can view them while I am out and about. I use it, and then disconnect when I am done. Big risk or little risk?

I would appreciate feedback very much! Thanks. Or, as we say here in Hawaii, "Mahalo!"

[Ed2020]

Hmmm...well, that doesn't sound all that good!
I appreciate your opinion, Ed2020.
When I turn on my wifi, I see that there are 5 other networks listed, and only one of them has the "lock" icon. So, I am guessing that all my neighbors also have an unsecured networks, but are apparently not as concerned about it as I am.

"I have a few more noob-ish questions," she said hopefully, "and maybe you, or another smart person can help me!" :confused:

1. If I walk outside my house, with my Ipod Touch in hand, and I can no longer receive the signal to my router-less ad hoc unsecured network, does that mean others will also not be able to connect to it? It would make me feel better if that were the case.

2. On my pc I have Norton Internet Security and firewall--would that help to protect my network?

3. As I said before, I only use the network for updating apps (don't even get me started on that nightmare!) I also want to use a program like Datacase, when it becomes available, for transferring files from my pc to my ipod touch so I can view them while I am out and about. I use it, and then disconnect when I am done. Big risk or little risk?

I would appreciate feedback very much! Thanks. Or, as we say here in Hawaii, "Mahalo!"

Hi,

Your neighbours must enjoy living dangerously. Apart from anything else you are legally responsible for anything that happens on your Internet connection. If somebody connected and used it to download copyrighted material (or other, much more illegal material) then you can be deemed liable.

In addition to this somebody savvy enough could connect and sniff all your traffic and see everything that crosses your network.

I'm not saying it will happen, but it certainly could. Not good!

To answer your questions:

1. No. You cannot use your iPod to gauge the range of other devices. iPod's wi-fi range isn't that great so just because you can't see your network it doesn't mean somebody else can't. You'd be surprised what distance wi-fi can cover with the right equipment.

2. It will go some way to protecting your PC, but it won't make up for an unencrypted connection. Nothing does. It should catch malware however all your traffic is still being sent in the clear. The contents of your PC's drives could also be open to inspection and modification.

3. A lot of it depends on where you live. If you're in a busy street then more people will be around looking for unsecured connections than if you're in a quiet street. In all likelihood it's a relatively little risk. If your neighbours are running unsecured networks (and presumably not ad hoc networks) then they're a more likely target than you are, even if somebody was connecting to other people's networks. Having said that it's not a risk I'd be prepared to take (although I am *extremely* careful about things like this).

In terms of Datacase I'm not sure. It's not one I've heard of before. Providing it allows use of an encrypted tunnel, with a strong password, you're probably safe enough. You do need to be aware of what you're accessing via public hotspots though. Assume what you are seeing other people can see as well - you never know how secure a network is unless it is your own, INHO.

Ed.

[gekkota]

Thanks, Ed. I appreciate you taking the time to answer my questions!
You've given me a lot to think about.

I guess I'll try and figure out why I haven't been successful in setting up a secure network. I'll just have to dig a little deeper into the info that is available online.
Thanks!