Would you share your wireless network with neighbors?

[VeloVT]

The duplex I live in was recently sold. The new owners (my new landlords, who will be living in the upstairs unit) noticed that they get our wireless network signal and asked if we would be willing to share it (provide them with the password, and then they would split the cost of our cable internet).

They are a nice young couple; I trust that they have no ill intent, and further, it's my impression that they aren't necessarily terribly tech savvy.

At first, because I basically trust them, I was comfortable with this. (I don't have any moral issues with depriving the cable company of an additional account, hope you won't judge me for this!). However, as I was getting ready to share the password, I started getting cold feet. I have my laptop's firewall enabled and all sharing disabled, and all files that are sensitive on an encrypted disk image, so it should be relatively safe, but it still makes me anxious. We'd be sharing our network not only with them, but also any house guests with whom they share our password. If you accidentally clicked on a machine on a local network, and discovered you could access some files/applications/services, even if you had no ill intent, is it possible you might click around just out of curiosity? I think so... Also, what about passwords and the security of other information transmitted over the network? This is really a hypothetical concern as I am 99.999% sure they have neither the inclination nor technical skill to do anything sketchy, but still...

I have considered getting a new AirPort, as the newer models allow you to set up guest networks. The new device would have benefits to us other than just allowing us to share the network more securely - mine is quite old, probably seven years old, and while it works fine, it has fewer features and probably less range than the newer models. I'd rather not spend the money, but I am open to it - it won't break the bank.

What would you do? Especially those who are more on the computer nerdy side, would you have concerns about sharing your network in this way?

[tulip]

I don't know much about wireless networks, or if sharing a network means they have access to your computer, but I think it would depend on how well you know the people. I have a friend who does this with a neighbor, and it's fine. But they are good friends.

[Trek420]

as far as I know sharing connection will not give them access to what you are doing. Many people do this to split internet costs. Do check if you have unlimited data with your plan or they could cause you to go over your limit. You also could be responsible if they do things like large or even illegal file downloads.

[shootingstar]

Trek, makes some good cautionary points. I would only share wireless network with family or live-in room-mates. That way, if things screw up, it's just easier to confront the person and get more details to resolve problems with wireless use/account/costs.

[Pedal Wench]

I would be more worried about the amount of data being transferred. If they're trying to watch movies or do big downloads (or uploads) it will effect the speed of your whole network.

[jessmarimba]

We did this in college - four of us in adjoining apartments split one wireless connection. But we were really poor, and none of us had anything really sensitive on our computers at the time (and this was before all of the online banking and bill pay and everything really caught on). Now, I'm not sure. It would depend on the people.

[Blueberry]

I'm pretty sure this is a violation of most terms of service agreements. i.e. - if the internet provider found out, you might have an issue (cancel service, fines - depends on what their agreement says). Aside from not having moral issues, you should investigate to see if it could cause problems for you.

I would also be wary of 1) slowing down the network and 2) what if they (or their guests) accidentally do something illegal (or intentionally - but that's a whole 'nother issue).

Since they're your landlords, I feel like they've put you in sort of an odd position. I know I wouldn't do it - heck, we created a separate guest network (with less access) to use with 1) less trusted devices and 2) with guests (we love 'em but....).

[Koronin]

No, for several reasons, the banking/monetary transactions being one good one. Another is that some types of computer viruses/trojans actually can get into one computer and get transferred through a network to other computers. Unfortunately I got one of those on my computer. Thankfully we caught it as soon as it showed up and my husband was able to get rid of it, but if it was one that could have not only effected other devices hooked up to the network, but the router and modem as well.
Also if they download large files it will slow your connection down.

[Triskeliongirl]

Unless you really need the money I wouldn't do it. In addition to all of the other points made, I would worry that if they are streaming a movie or vice versa, it will make it impossible for the other household to do anything. Also, we found that even if a router can support a lot of devices, when our kids visit, and add extra laptops, mobile phones, and tablets, we experience severe network problems. I do not think these home networks can handle the traffic of many devices. So if you want a way out or feel awkward since they are your landlords, just tell them your router is already maxed out and cannot handle any additional devices.

[Trek420]

Cable is a shared bandwidth so speed can be effected not just by a neighbor but the whole neighborhood. I'd be more concerned about things like downloading music, movies in violation of copyright. It's your account! So if you know they and their friends have good ethics go ahead! As a former telecommunications employee I want people to save money. But I've also seen the bills when people go over limits and "what do you mean I'm disconected for violating terms of service" so check the terms of your service and if not unlimited get it in writing that they reimburse.

[pll]

I would not. Perhaps in my time as a grad student I would have considered, but not now. Bandwidth is one issue, downloading and streaming on an account that is on my name is another. Once the password is out, you cannot tell if they are sharing, too.

[VeloVT]

I'm not too worried about bandwidth/speed. I don't think they are heavy internet users. I also feel that if they were streaming movies or doing something else that brought the network to a standstill, we could discuss that and establish ground rules. They are reasonable people.

I am also not at all worried about illegal activity - in that regard I definitely trust them. I think it would just be an ipad and a few iphones that we'd be potentially adding to the network. It's really the general, in-principal security concerns that I'm worried about. I think the malware point is a good one, although I think they have all Apple devices which lessens that concern somewhat (don't know about their friends of course).

[2wheelr]

No. The dummy across the street, I can't trust him as far as I can throw him. My next door neighbors are too far away, and they can definitely afford their own wireless.

[lovelygamer]

No, I would never recommend this. The nicest people you know may not be so nice on the internet. They could have any number of habits (porn, terrorism, abuse, media stealers (torrents, p2p), illegal fetishes) and etc. Or, they could be gamers and suck all of your bandwidth up. Any of that is bad news for you.

You would be amazed. I used to be in IT and I was constantly amazed at how different people are in their online life than they are in real life.

[Blueberry]

I'm not too worried about bandwidth/speed. I don't think they are heavy internet users. I also feel that if they were streaming movies or doing something else that brought the network to a standstill, we could discuss that and establish ground rules. They are reasonable people.

I am also not at all worried about illegal activity - in that regard I definitely trust them. I think it would just be an ipad and a few iphones that we'd be potentially adding to the network. It's really the general, in-principal security concerns that I'm worried about. I think the malware point is a good one, although I think they have all Apple devices which lessens that concern somewhat (don't know about their friends of course).

Well...it sort of sounds like you've decided.

I do question whether the reasonable people thing applies when there is a power imbalance - and there definitely is in a rental relationship.

[VeloVT]

No, I would never recommend this. The nicest people you know may not be so nice on the internet. They could have any number of habits (porn, terrorism, abuse, media stealers (torrents, p2p), illegal fetishes) and etc. Or, they could be gamers and suck all of your bandwidth up. Any of that is bad news for you.

You would be amazed. I used to be in IT and I was constantly amazed at how different people are in their online life than they are in real life.

They're do-gooders (and I mean that in a completely good, non-snarky way). Kind of crunchy, outdoorsy, both social workers, drive a Prius, have a toddler, participate in touchy-feely community events. They are good peeps. I would be utterly shocked if they had any truly evil skeletons in the closet.

But, your point is well taken.

[VeloVT]

Well...it sort of sounds like you've decided.

I do question whether the reasonable people thing applies when there is a power imbalance - and there definitely is in a rental relationship.

I really haven't. Strangely, the rational, analytical part of my brain is telling me it should be fine (because they are trustworthy and the likelihood of issues of any kind is very small), and I would say it's the other part the says to think about it more. Seems like it should be the other way around, right? And it's not because I have reservations about them, per se, it really isn't, it's more that it's opening our closed network, and once you open it, it's no longer closed.

And, fwiw, my main motivation is really relationship-building and neighborliness; while savings is always nice, it's not the main reason I'm considering it (though I think savings, and also less hassle, is why they asked).

[colby]

The biggest issue is that you're liable for whatever they do. If you're comfortable taking that risk on, move to the technical issues. You will be sharing bandwidth, but with cable you're sharing it anyway. If you are capped, they will be a part of your cap - if they stream a lot of media or anything like that, it'll "count" against you.

As for protecting yourself, I like the idea of the "guest" network. If they are on the same wireless network, they are on your local network. Not just access to your data, but if they did get infected with a virus, it would suck if it was spread to you. Local firewalls will definitely help that, and not sharing public files, always use passwords. The guest network just adds that extra layer of protection, separating them from you. Great compromise.

If I knew my neighbors fairly well and it fit all of the above conditions, I'd probably share, especially if it weren't permanent. I would use a secondary network, though. Basically, I'll only let people on my network that I'd let stay in my house, friends and fam. (Even then, if I had a guest network, I might just use that!)

[Anyabeth]

To me this is something that is not worth the risk for people you do not know VERY well.

The thing is that because of your situation if something goes poorly or you find you are uncomfortable later it is too late. Sure you can put it back to closed and change all the passwords but it is a socially awkward position and you are already exposed.

It is impossible to know if people are good or bad just by noticing what kind of car they drive etc. I mean honestly. I learn new things all the time about what my HUSBAND does online (nothing to worry about) and we have been married for working on twelve years).

You don't have insight into what they will do online or what people who visit them will do online. So you are taking a certain amount of risk. The reward seems small.

[malkin]

Only if it were my parents or my brother.

Not my kid. Not my cousins. Not my friends.
Not my neighbors.

[withm]

No, no, no, a thousand times no.

If they get involved in anything of an illegal nature (child porn? terrorist activities) the FBI will be investigating YOU forever.

Just say no.

[smilingcat]

Some of the nicest people are the ones to watch out. There was an awkward situation at my work. Some person fairly high up with grand children was found to be surfing on porno site.

He didn't know that the IT kept track of all the different web sites visited and for how long. What was striking was that the person would have been the last person anyone would have suspected. Tight upper lip no non-sense kind of a guy. He was an extremely painful person for any one to work with and always his way.

So the answer is NO!! No matter how much you trust them or don't expect. They could also access your computer. It's not that hard to do. Give me a few minutes and I can find out your network and some.

Majority of the people out there do not secure their wifi and that is very bad. I've gotten pretty upset with my sister and their grown kids over their cavalier attitutde. Just to prove my point, I hacked into their system and printed nasty gram out on their printer.

And if they did something illegal and the police obtains a warrant to seize the equipment, it will be yours and not your grass eating organic neighbor with hairly arms and legs and walking around in birkenstock sandles.
(I'm a socialist, so I can say such things).

Just tell them that you are nearly max'ed on your alloted Gbytes of transfer.

simple answer is NO!

[VeloVT]

Thanks, Smilingcat, I was hoping you would reply.

To be clear, our wireless network is currently at least superficially secure - wireless network is set up with WPA2 security with 18 character password including multiple cases, numbers and characters. And, as mentioned, firewalls are enabled and sharing is disabled, and each of our computers is set up with an admin password - my "everyday" account is actually separate from my administrator account, and my "keychain" (apple user) has a separate password from my login password. And, as mentioned, sensitive docs are stored on an encrypted volume. But, I'm not a computer or security expert and I could certainly have left some door open, even before you let open the network.

Do you feel more comfortable about sharing a network using a router that makes it possible to establish guest networks?

[Biciclista]

we allow our guests to use our internet. we have had a lot of guests lately. I would probably be comfortable sharing with SOME neighbors. You can be the judge of your own neighbors (I have some i'd trust, and others I wouldn't!!)

[Atlas]

We do this with out landlord in a somewhat reverse situation. He has the router and we are on his network. We bounce it through our time machine to extend the range but I understand we are all on the same account. It's great and having the included internet brought our duplex into our price range when we initially moved in. I guess it comes down to how well you will know your neighbors. We've known ours for a few years so we didn't think anything of it. If you're going to constantly worry about it then decline from sharing so you don't have that added stress.

[Koronin]

The only place that I've seen open networks to be common is in beach rental communities. Basically these are areas along the coast with tons of homes that are rented out on a weekly basis for vacation rentals and many of those homes do have open wireless networks. If I owned a vacation rental house I'd actually do it as a wired only service. Go ahead and bring your laptop, but you're going to have to hook it up wired to the connection. That way the guest can use it, but it's not out there for everyone. We've rented homes that had both and it make any difference to use which the house has as long as it has internet service of some sort.

[bmccasland]

As indicated in the header, I'm in the No category.

I've known a very nice family man, who was arrested by the IT squad of my local police department (when I lived in another state) for internet child pornography. Was quite a surprise to see his mug shot in the local paper.

And as others have indicated, you won't know who they might give the password out to.

If you want to get to know your neighbors, invite them over for a BBQ.

[Tri Girl]

I definitely say NO!
You don't know people- even when you think they do.
A family member of mine was arrested and sent to federal prison last year because he had been downloading child porn to his computer for over 10 years. He has a wife and kid and worked at a very well-respected college, did charitable work, was very granola-y, was a community helper, and was highly regarded.
You just never know people.
Everything computer related in his house was confiscated by the FBI.
His wife had no clue (encrypted files and such).

Aside from all the security issues, things like this ^ are worrisome. People have totally different internet lives sometimes. What happens on YOUR network is YOUR responsibility- even if it wasn't you doing it.

Plus, if you ever move, they will have to get their own service anyway, so they might as well just do it now.

[GLC1968]

No, we would not. My husband is in network security and I can tell you with all confidence that the answer would be no.

If they are not really tech savy - they could be the biggest problem. Honestly, when my husband set up my parents network, he did it so that no matter what my mom clicked on, nothing could get to their main computer where all the financial stuff was located. I love my mom to death and would trust her with my life (and to not be a terrorist) but when it comes to not clicking on dangerous things in emails or whatever....she's hopeless. Your landlords could be similar.

And malware is being written for Apple products, so don't get too comfortable with the idea that they are safe, as they won't be forever.

[OakLeaf]

Basically, I'll only let people on my network that I'd let stay in my house, friends and fam. (Even then, if I had a guest network, I might just use that!)

That's me, too. We share our password with houseguests and don't bother to change it after they leave. Other than that, nope.

The other issue that's been mentioned in passing is your agreement with your ISP. Maybe they let it slide, maybe you wind up with a huge stonkin' retroactive bill and your service cancelled. That used to happen all the time back in the day before smartphones, when people were using their phones to connect their PDAs to dialup Internet but not paying for a data plan.

With us, we have a 5-device limit, and we have to be careful not to exceed that even just between the two of us. While I don't really worry about the ISP, the whole network starts going flaky when we accidentally exceed five devices. It usually requires turning off the wireless on all of them and rebooting the router, so it's not a big deal, but it's a PITA, and it would be worse if you had to go over there and knock on their door to ask them to turn the wireless off on a few things. I never use our home WiFi with my phone and DH almost never uses it with his Kindle, but we typically connect a music server, a print server, our iPads, my Kindle, DH's phone, plus the laptops that are in use all the time. Your neighbor's several devices would probably tip you over your limit, too, even if there weren't an issue with people in two households using the network.