Non-Reagan thread relief: PC security question, bear with me.

[drumwolf]

I'm looking at buying a laptop with wireless, and I know there are some security issues with a wireless network.

I recently bought an external hard drive and store ALL my personal files on it, and I keep it disconnected from my PC when I don't need it. I figure that even if, God forbid, someone exploits a security hole to gain access to my laptop hard drive, they won't be able to fuck with files because they'll be on a separate medium.

So my question is, if a hacker busts into my wireless PC and gains access to my hard drive but can't delete my files b/c they're on a separate external drive, what other damage could a hacker do? What are other scenarios besides maliciously screwing with files that would justify me taking extra precautions to tighten security?

[wtmusic]

1. An external hard drive won't save you

If you're computer's on and you have the hard drive connected when the hacker gains access, your ex hard drive is just as vulnerable as your internal.

Even if the ex hard drive isn't connected, the hacker could ostensibly write a virus to your internal hard drive that deletes files on the other one next time you plug it in.

What kind of a network is it?

[drumwolf]

2. right now i have a desktop on a DSL network which is quite secure

but i will pretty soon have a laptop with wireless. What I've heard is that you need to take extra precautions with wireless access.

[KeepItReal]

5. Wireless access and security FYI

If you use wireless, and you are not using encryption between your laptop and the wireless access point, assume that anything sent can be intercepted. Of course, there would have to be a *very* nosy hacker-type in your transmission vicinity to sniff out your traffic...

Best protection is having some good anti-virus and anti-spyware software running and a personal firewall. That will prevent folks from accessing your machine remotely. Recommend Trend Micro's Internet Security.

For your wireless, if you can, try to use the WEP encryption that is possible. If you can't do that, just be advised that snoopers could potentially capture your over-the-air transmissions.

[DS1]

3. Same thing I was about to post

The only safe computer is one that's never connected.

If you want to be fully secure, use CDRs to transfer the files between computers and toss those CDs into your microwave when done.

[RoyGBiv]

4. Taking control of your system...

If I remember the details correctly, one semi-recent attack allowed people to take control of systems and use them for various purposes. Your IP address could end up associated with an illegal intrusion into another system without you realizing it. In effect, the system A would work through your system B to attack system C, leaving you with questions to answer.

Taking extra precautions is never a bad idea, no matter how safe your own personal data actually is.

[drumwolf]

6. kick for the morning crowd....

...and thanks to everyone who's responded thus far.

And someone mentioned having a second PC to switch data back and forth between. I'm actually thinking of doing that anyway (more specifically, having a self-assembled desktop PC).