I recently bought a notebook and am new to wireless. I travel a bit and wanted to be able to work and research at those times. I have noticed that sometimes when I am at a motel that offers wireless, my computer will actually connect to another wireless network it has found without my realizing it. I was curious about security risks when that happens. All research I've done only talks about protecting a wireless network that you are setting up, not about computers connecting to an unknown wireless network. I have Norton, MS spyware. Beyond normal wireless precautions, are computers additionally vulnerable to malicious intent when these inadvertent connections occur? Thanks for any info.

Do you have an antivirus and/or firewall program on your computer? The fact that you can connect to the wireless network without having to do anything is more of a security risk to the person providing the service since they have no passwords. If you feel that you are at risk and do not have any antivirus and/or firewall software, then you can download several programs at http://www.downloads.com for free or trial.

"are computers additionally vulnerable to malicious intent when these inadvertent connections occur?" Of course they are.

First, you should have a firewall; you mentioned Norton but didn't say whether that included the firewall. If you have Service Pack 2 you have the latest Windows XP firewall, and assuming you haven't turned that off, that should protect you sufficiently.

I'd also suggest that you configure your wireless adaptor to NOT connect to any network without you explicitly requesting it to do so. If you don't use the wireless, or other radio signals, much you could just turn off the radio signal(s) until you have a use.

Terry

Thanks for the info. Actually the fact that the wireless network is not password protected by the owner is exactly what I was concerned about. Does being connected to that make my computer open? I do have SP 2 and the firewall operating. Thanks

A wireless network will likely be password protected only if it is for company use, or is a for-pay service.

Homeowners, for their own protection, should encrypt their network.

However, you will find more and more completely unprotected, by design, signals provided by hotels, libraries, Panera Bread restaurants, etc.

Being on any of those networks makes your computer accessible to any crooks on the same network, and makes you glad you have a firewall.

Terry