Comments on: A word of warning about 'free' public Wi-Fi

Beware unsecured computer-to-computer Wi-Fi networks. As the name implies, this network connects to a computer run by a total stranger somewhere nearby.

[lnotenboom]

The "Free Public Wifi" might not be malicious - heck, the
owner might not even be aware of it.

There was a scenario (sorry, don't have all the details)
where a laptop could encounter an adhoc network called "Free
Public Wifi" and then Windows (being helpful) would
"remember" it and then broadcast it as well, to make it
available for ad hoc connections on your computer. It's
kinda virus-like.

I believe that's been corrected in subsequent patches, so
the owner of "Free Public Wifi" might also not be up to
date.

But your approach: connecting to only infrastructure
networks, is appropriate and should be the default.
Something else that I think might be updated in subsequent
patches.

Leo

[Kev Orng]

I saw "Free Public Wifi" in Miami airport but my iPod Touch didn't want to connect to it. Now I know why.

[Stormspace]

There are a few Linksys products, specifically the WET54GS5 bridge, that can be configured as a wireless AP. It creates an ad-hoc wireless network and doesn't do a very good job either, but it is workable if someone were to purchase one thinking it was an AP only to have to make it work. In my case they were bought during a previous administration and I was trying them out. Actually had one going for a short time, but it was a PITA to work with so I encrypted it so ppl using it would need assistance.

[bac0]

this appears to be a known Windows XP bug. I've seen it quite often at airports, even when we've had visitors at our office.

see this article on the topic: http://tinyurl.com/5d72sp

[airmanneb]

What is LA5757?