what is the worse that could happen if i disconneted the security on my wireless router?
My linksys WRT54G wireless router is dropping connections like crazy. So if i dissconnect the security, what is the worse that could happen? Could someone get into my computer?
6 Responses
Zenkai
28 Feb 2010
Malik L
28 Feb 2010
Someone could use your internet connection without your permission. Perform illegal actions that would be traced back to your router (spamming, pirate downloads, etc).
They could also intercept your communication between your computer and your router, which would allow them to perform a ‘man-in-the-middle’ attack where they can eavesdrop on all of your online communications.
Grog
28 Feb 2010
You very likely will get hacked or worse some pervert will use the free WiFi to upload child porn or worse.
Seriously just troubleshoot the problem and fix it. Get some reference material and do some investigating. You afraid to learn something? It’s be good for you.
Cheers
Malvin V
28 Feb 2010
There’s a lot of things that can happen if you disable the wireless security of your Linksys Wireless Router. The most damaging could be that someone can use your internet connection to perform illegal activities, such as viewing child pornography, which would get the FBI in your house in no time. You dont want to take that chance. Secure your wireless!!
Collette L
28 Feb 2010
Are you sure the connection problem is your router security?
If you drop the security then someone can not only leach your signal, but, invade your network and mess up your PC.
You really don’t want to do that.
If you have DSL – that could be the problem. I use DSL at work and I am always getting timed out. I don’t have the same problems at home with my cable connection.
dummysayWhat!
28 Feb 2010
Someone accessing the information on your computer is dependent on the security on the PC, not the wireless router, BUT anything transmitted across the wireless connection is susceptible to eavesdropping. As stated above, an unsecured wireless connection can be used by anyone who lives close enough to pick up the signal for what ever reason they want, and anything illegal will be traced back to you.
Wireless security is relative though. WEP is not secure. MAC filtering as suggested is not secure. A kid with a program easily found on the internet can crack your WEP key in less than 5 minutes and spoofing a MAC address is a joke. Its like putting a cheap lock on your door, it’s just there to keep the honest people honest. The standard now is WPA with at least a 20 character non-dictionary paraphrase.
As for your router dropping connection the WRT54G is not a top end router but has shown its self to be fairly stable especially using a 3rd party firmware (OpenWRT or Tomato). If you live in an area where there are a lot of other houses around, try to adjust the channel the router is using. The routers log would also be a good place to start.
Do this, if you want to disable the security do so, but assign your router so that only your Mac Address connects to your router, it’s something you have to modify if a friend brings a lap top over but it will allow you to connect to your wifi and keepe veryone else out.