Tech - Wifi question

[Gonolz]

My next door neighbor's broadband isn't working and he asked if he could use my wifi until he gets his fixed.

My wifi is through cable modem connected to a wireless router that is secured with a password. I use it with my computer, phone and SmartTV. If I give him the password, does that give him access to any of my devices or just to an internet connection?

 

[KitingHigh]

Both, but only if he's a hacker and/or your computer is unsecured.

For normal people it just gives him access to the Internet, but depending on how your computer is set up, he could access it if he knows how.

 

[FSUTribe76]

My next door neighbor's broadband isn't working and he asked if he could use my wifi until he gets his fixed.

My wifi is through cable modem connected to a wireless router that is secured with a password. I use it with my computer, phone and SmartTV. If I give him the password, does that give him access to any of my devices or just to an internet connection?

The short answer is it depends on your security measures and his level of hacking skill. If you've got nothing up for protection then even a dumb dumb can get into your shared devices. If you've got appropriate security in place then it's still easier to hack if he's on your WiFi than not but unless he's a hacker he's probably no threat that way. On the other hand his child porn, IP stealing and illegal gambling on your WiFi will get you in trouble. So I'd just say no.

 

[Semiologist]

This begs two questions:
1) Why is his broadband not working?
2) What incentive does he have to get it fixed once he has access to your Wiffy?

 

[Gonolz]

The short answer is it depends on your security measures and his level of hacking skill. If you've got nothing up for protection then even a dumb dumb can get into your shared devices. If you've got appropriate security in place then it's still easier to hack if he's on your WiFi than not but unless he's a hacker he's probably no threat that way. On the other hand his child porn, IP stealing and illegal gambling on your WiFi will get you in trouble. So I'd just say no.

I don't know enough about it to describe details about the security I have, so I'll just try throwing out some buzzwords and stuff and see if it makes any sense. I use AVG which says computer protection, web protection, ID protection and email protection. I don't think any of my devices are set to share anything.

Good point about his activities. He is a little strange, like way too nice. I don't know if that means he is trying to cover up that he is secretly a creeper or if it's just because he's from Minnesota, where everyone is super nice (at least to white people).

So that makes wonder. If someone is on my wifi, is there a way I can see what sites they are visiting?

He thinks his modem is bad. Brighthouse is coming out next week.

 

[FSUTribe76]

I don't know enough about it to describe details about the security I have, so I'll just try throwing out some buzzwords and stuff and see if it makes any sense. I use AVG which says computer protection, web protection, ID protection and email protection. I don't think any of my devices are set to share anything.

Good point about his activities. He is a little strange, like way too nice. I don't know if that means he is trying to cover up that he is secretly a creeper or if it's just because he's from Minnesota, where everyone is super nice (at least to white people).

So that makes wonder. If someone is on my wifi, is there a way I can see what sites they are visiting?

He thinks his modem is bad. Brighthouse is coming out next week.

You're probably fine then unless he's a hacker in which case he could still get in anyways but it's easier if he's on your WiFi already.

Well you can easily see who is on your WiFi but as far as where they're going it's more complicated. You can do it as I think all modern.routers track history but you'll have to look up your own browser to see how it's done.

Here's one detailed example

http://www.groovypost.com/howto/free-parental-control-net-monitoring-netgear/

 

[BOwens21]

Check the settings on your router. I know mine has the option of setting up a "Guest" network that is separate from your home network.

 

[Mugsy101]

Tell him to use his smartphone as a hotspot and run his wifi off that.

 

[Gonolz]

Check the settings on your router. I know mine has the option of setting up a "Guest" network that is separate from your home network.

So, I found an article about Guest networks and how to set one up. Cool thing is I can just change the password or delete it next week, so I know he's not piggybacking long-term.

http://lifehacker.com/how-to-share-your-wi-fi-safely-and-why-you-might-want-1659672959

 

[FSUTribe76]

So, I found an article about Guest networks and how to set one up. Cool thing is I can just change the password or delete it next week, so I know he's not piggybacking long-term.

http://lifehacker.com/how-to-share-your-wi-fi-safely-and-why-you-might-want-1659672959

Yeah that's the only way I would even consider it. Sorry I should have thought of it, I blame my lack of sleep.

 

[BOwens21]

So, I found an article about Guest networks and how to set one up. Cool thing is I can just change the password or delete it next week, so I know he's not piggybacking long-term.

http://lifehacker.com/how-to-share-your-wi-fi-safely-and-why-you-might-want-1659672959

Yep, easy peasy.

 

[BOwens21]

Yeah that's the only way I would even consider it. Sorry I should have thought of it, I blame my lack of sleep.

Wow, I beat Tribe to this. I feel invincible.

 

[ericram]

I wouldn't let that happen. What he sends or receives child porn while on your network! Going to hard to explain that to the authorities.

 

[Flie]

My next door neighbor's broadband isn't working and he asked if he could use my wifi until he gets his fixed.

My wifi is through cable modem connected to a wireless router that is secured with a password. I use it with my computer, phone and SmartTV. If I give him the password, does that give him access to any of my devices or just to an internet connection?

Something that can be done once you have access to a network is perform man in the middle attacks where you force the network traffic to route through your computer so you can then present false certificates for SSL encrypted sites, among other things. If the user clicks continue on the bad certificate warning your browser presents to you (which almost everybody does... don't do that...) then they can see the data in your encrypted session in clear text.

For example, let's say you let this guy access your network. He then sets up a man in the middle attack and issues a fake certificate that you then use to access your bank site. He then intercepts your logon and password in clear text and continues to monitor your connections until you access more SSL encrypted sites. Banks, credit cards, email etc...

There are tools and how to guides now that make doing something like this fairly easy for people with even moderate skills. It's not like they'd have to be some kind of god mode hacker to pull it off.

The guest networks many wifi routers come with these days are fenced off, so to speak, from your main network so it's a lot safer to go that route.

 

[SoddyNole]

I would tell him you are currently having issues with your router and don't think it will handle the load. But seriously this person can not spend the 50 to 200 dollars to buy his own router? His request is just weird to me. How does he afford cable?

 

[cmanole]

I would tell him you are currently having issues with your router and don't think it will handle the load. But seriously this person can not spend the 50 to 200 dollars to buy his own router? His request is just weird to me. How does he afford cable?

Agree. He's trying to hack you bro...

 

[Seminolejon78]

Another risk is that your neighbor shares your WiFi credentials with others you don't know at all. I strongly suggest not giving him access.

 

[Wendy79]

Unless you know him really well, I wouldn't share. It puts you at risk for his online behavior (least of which is going over whatever data cap your plan has). There are so many other places he can go for free wifi (library, cafe, McDonald's, meeting/office businesses).