On May 25, 11:13 pm, Sharon <Sharon...@yahoo.com> wrote:
>
> There must be some reason people go to the trouble to secure their routers
> (mine, for example, is secured with a password at least).
>


I don't really know the details of one's security exposure with open
wireless, but for some reason those who do aren't making it very clear
right now.

I can imagine a couple of bad things that can happen when wireless is
unsecured:

1) You are letting strangers into your local network. It's like
letting them in your house. They now have a much better chance of
getting onto your pc if they are in your LAN, behind your router's
firewall and NAT. This includes any file-sharing that you may have
enabled. Depending on your os and it's settings, they may be able to
install programs, trojans, keyloggers etc. From there, your identity
can be stolen, and you can be robbed directly as well.

2) Since wireless is unsecured, they can sniff your packets and steal
passwords etc as well? More theft of identity and data.

3)what they said about using your ip address for nefarious
activities. Like stealing your car to rob a bank. Not good for you.

OK guys, correct me, but at least the OP is getting the idea. Keep
the bad guys on the other side of your firewall, basically.