The Perils of Using Unsecured WIFI: A Simple Password Can Spell Disaster

“Lending” your Wi-Fi password to a friend or neighbor is relatively common. But there are a number of risks you should consider before doing so.

Here are 10 reasons why you should think carefully before taking this step, according to the British Daily Mail.

1- Illegal downloads

If someone else uses your internet connection to download illegal content, they will leave a trail across the internet to your router.

And a friend may choose to illegally download a movie or TV series to your home to avoid putting himself on in danger.

While you may find yourself having to pay a large fine.

2- Malware can spread

You can share your password with someone you trust completely and know for sure that they will never take advantage of your kindness. However, even a trusted friend or family member connected to your network could spell disaster.

If a device, such as a smartphone, is infected with malware and connects to your Wi-Fi network, it may continue to attack your computertelephones and tablet as it spreads.

3- They can use all your data

Almost all broadband service providers offer it download unlimited and no data restrictions. So you might think that this won’t affect you. However, most of the unlimited packages are known as Standard Unlimited or Truly Unlimited.

And with unlimited packs standardthere may be restrictions, such as traffic management and fair use policies.

If you give your password to someone who downloads very regularly, your Internet Service Provider may consider that you are abusing their fair use policy, which can slow down the speed of your connection and, in severe cases, discontinue.

4- Users can see contacts

Allowing someone to connect to your Wi-Fi allows someone to access a system in where data enters and leaves.

A technically savvy person using a software For computer free can scan your network which will provide a list of all currently connected devices.

5- Your IP can be banned

Some websites, including social media and games online, they can issue IP bans to users who have violated their terms of service. This means that access to the specified website will be blocked for everyone on the same Wi-Fi network, not just for a specific account.

However, bans are not permanent and you can change your IP address.

6- They can use your password

Wi-Fi passwords are notoriously difficult to remember, filled with random numbers and letters. Many people stick the password on their refrigerator or save it as a picture on their phone.

But some choose to rename their password in something they can remember, another password they already use. This puts you at risk of someone gaining access to your accounts.

7- They can limit all bandwidth

Bandwidth is the amount of data that can be transferred from your router to your devices in ​​a given moment or the speed or your Internet connection.

If you are watching a movie in 4K, but your friend or neighbor is downloading large files and playing a game onlineyou may find that everything slows down.

8- Carrying out illegal activities on the Internet

Your business online on your Wi-Fi network, including actions that violate the law without visiting illegal websites, will be returned to you. Bullying, trolling and hate speech happen on a regular basis online and the authorities respond to reports.

When phishing is done through an anonymous account, the profile may go back to its IP address. If your friend is busy in activity online on your Wi-Fi that has real-world consequences, the police may visit you.

9- They can use other devices on the network

Many people own devices like printers, Amazon Alexa, speakers, and even internet-connected hard drives. It allows users to control aspects of their homes through their phones. However, by sharing your Wi-Fi password, you are potentially allowing others to use these devices.

While this may be accidental, you may be annoyed if a song you were listening to on your Wi-Fi speaker is interrupted by your neighbors’ songs.

10- They can share your password with those around them

If you live in a condominium or in aarea with a large number of potential Wi-Fi connections, handing over your password can cause problems.

If you share your password with one person, many other people can join in possession of the password, increasing the possibility of illegal activity via your IP address. A trusted neighbor might not abuse your Wi-Fi, but someone who doesn’t know you might see it as a good opportunity.

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