Question about Wi-Fi

[H2S]

We've got it at home...
so too, it would seem, does everybody else in our neighborhood
(the list of Wireless Connection possibilities that comes up when you click the internet access icon is huge)...
so...
if I share our "secret" WiFi access number with the whole neighborhood, are there any possible negative consequences for doing so?

 

[KansasSooner]

Depends on what they do with that access. If you have limited downloads it could use up all your quota. And do you really want your neighbors on your router? Depending on whether or not you have "guest" access (most newer routers do) you will be giving them access to your devices too if you let them on if you don't restrict them to guest access. Keep your access key to yourself is my advice.

 

[Psych-Ward]

If someone in the neighborhood is into kiddie p0rn...... guess who they come after!!!!

 

[H2S]

thanks guys. s'helpful to know there's good reasons NOT to share.

 

[WizardHawk]

The main thing is illegal downloads these days. If you allow friends/neighbors/general public to use your internet bandwidth and they download a song or movie that flags the agencies monitoring those you generally get an email warning from your ISP the first time, and can face losing your account for subsequent violations.

The owner of the ISP account is entirely responsible for the content that goes through that account, even if you can prove it was someone else that did it.