General Wireless Security Question..

[Info@PSR]

Hi,

I have a query regarding a wireless setup installed for home use. I have an ASDL connection which is connected to a wireless hub. This is accessed by a basic internet PC for browsing, email etc and a high spec PC currently used for internet gaming. In addition, two other members of the household have laptops and also connect.

Now, I have Norton Anti V & Firewall on the internet PC, as well as the two laptops. Although, I have no Anti V or Firewall at all on the gaming PC to reduce lag from the firewall whilst playing a particular online game.

As I don't have any web browsing apps installed on the gaming PC, and the only connection I make is to the game servers through the client installed on my system. I assume I am relatively safe from the majority of internet threats.

However, I am not too sure of this & is kinda why I'm seeking advice here.

If, say, one of the laptop users is notoriously bad with accidentally obtaining spyware & viri. And is connected at the same time as the gaming PC with no protection, (bearing in mind, although different computers, they share the same IP address)

Is it possible for the gaming PC to infected with spyware or viruses?

I’m not sure how this works, if the laptop user is browsing loads of low quality sites, then some of these will be obtaining the IP address no?

Then when I log on with my gaming PC, am I going to subjected to incoming threats?

Thanks v much in advance

:)

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[cszeto]

Very good question(s)!

In your first scenario, if you introduce an infected or compromised machine into your local network, yes - your other machines may be subject to a full frontal attack.

In the second situation, just tracking your Internet IP is not enough for most attacks. Your Internet IP is actually "homed" to your SOHO NAT router, but... The gaming software/network is also another "attack vector", where creating malware on/against that platform is not that different than those that already exist against the OS/NOS, especially since the gaming platforms are getting more an more advance. I haven't heard of any such compromises at this point, but the element of surprise also goes a long way for the folks doing this kind of silly deeds.

[Info@PSR]

Lovely! Thanks for the reply...

:)

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