Hi, I've had this for some time, but I rebooted my PC to get a message on the right side of my screen (Windows 8) asking me if I'd like to join some network. I stupidly clicked it without actually thinking about it (I had previously actually tried to connect my Windows 7 laptop to my desktop and failed and was thinking this was that). But after clicking yes I had second thoughts and wondered exactly what I had accepted. Did it open my PC/Internet to hacking or something? I've attached a pic of my Network Connections and Network Sharing Information (with personal information blacked out). Have I done something silly? Is this dangerous? If so, how do I undo? And what's with the Network 3 thing? Why isn't it Network 2? My internet works fine (with the occasional hick-up, simply requiring fixing with the usual tools). Are there any problems? Should I be worried?
Unidentified Network Public Network
- Thread starter Aucka
- Start date
Anderson224
New Member
- Messages
- 4
[DEL]I also have an unidentified network that's public I am connected to, but it been there for a while and it hasn't been a problem, so you shouldn't be worried. Also, is your PC wireless or wired?[/DEL]
EDIT:
What I said is wrong - look at the post below me
EDIT:
What I said is wrong - look at the post below me
Last edited:
- Messages
- 3,468
- Location
- Central IL
Um yes you should be concerned. For all anyone knows, that "Unknown" network could be a Honeypot, siphoning off important private information.
Never connect to a unknown WiFi hotspot, without realizing the security consequences.
lfh003
New Member
- Messages
- 8
- Location
- Atlanta, GA
For view of available wi-fi devices, use inSSIDer from Metageek...or inSSIDer by MetaGeek. I it is free and safe. Must use a machine that is using wi-fi at the moment. This may identify the network you are seeking.
- Messages
- 3,468
- Location
- Central IL
inSSIDer is no longer a free software. The older version that the author of the program kept in an archive. It has now been removed.
lfh003
New Member
- Messages
- 8
- Location
- Atlanta, GA
Thanks broe23. I use inSSIDer 3, which was free at the time I downloaded it. I do not use this app because of spying, only interested in how many neighbors are running wifi. I use a Buffalo router that allows me to put my three machines on 5GHz...nobody else there.
- Messages
- 3,468
- Location
- Central IL
inSSIDer is not a spying software. No one even knows that you are using it. It does not sniff anything on those access points that it is seeing.
It is like standing outside and looking down the street at all of your neighbors houses, is all inSSIDer is doing. The one reason that those who are having disconnect issues, or set up Wireless Networks. Is to make sure that you are not on a Crowded or congested channel or channels if dual or Tri Band.
