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I use my laptop (W7 HomePrem) for banking (and everything else) and I also frequently use free public wifi hotspots. Often I do both at the same time.
I strive to keep everything updated including Windows and other MS programs, Java, the Adobe players, QuickTime, etc, etc. I've turned off all sharing options under advanced sharing options. My built-in firewall is on, my AV is up to date and working. I don't do torrents or other high risk surfing, or open emails that seem suspicious or phishy. I always verify I'm logging into an https page and my Outlook is set to do all communication securely with servers. I use FF, keep it updated, and use some good phishing/security/etc type extensions for the help they can give.
Other than the possibility of connecting to a fake/imposter/phishing WiFi network, I feel I'm pretty safe and I haven't had any malware issues in years.
But now I need to share a folder so it is accessible to another computer on my home WiFi network.
-We are on the same HomeGroup.
-it is the only folder shared on my PC.
-I set the sharing permissions so that accessing it requires keying the credentials for a local "standard user" account that has a strong password.
-I really don't want to undo the sharing everyday before connecting to the free WiFi's and then redo it later to enable sharing again.
Considering my standard security precautions above, how do (a) HomeGroups and (b)me sharing the folder as I have, affect (1)each other and (2)my security when I'm on a free WiFi network? Thank you.
Edit to add info I should have included above:
-My pc is set to treat all networks as Public, except my home wifi which is classified as Home type.
1I was going to suggest the same: Set the home network to "Home network", and then go to Control Panel\All Control Panel Items\Network and Sharing Center\Advanced sharing settings and change the settings for the home network, which will update the firewall settings automatically. – KCotreau – 2011-07-31T05:57:22.220
1I'm not following you. You say I'm "thinking about it the wrong way". How so? btw, I edited my question to include how my pc is set up to classify networks. I overlooked putting that info in originally. – CChriss – 2011-07-31T06:02:57.350
So then you wont have any issues if that is how it is set up. – soandos – 2011-07-31T06:04:48.347
Sorry, let me rephrase. I don't really understand your whole line at the end about how HomeGroups affect...
What I do know however, is that if you change your wireless profiles, then when you are connected to a "public WiFi", you will never share any files. When connected to your "home" network, you will. Because this is all automatic... problem solved, right? – wizlog – 2011-07-31T06:06:12.263
If your sure that all networks are classified this way, then you really shouldn't need to worry unless you changed default network settings... Check to make sure that your not sharing files over "public" WiFi and you'll be fine. Do you need help doing this? – wizlog – 2011-07-31T06:07:30.170