Security in file sharing

[BK7794]

I am wondering, will sharing folders unsecured over a secured network be hazardous? Is it possible for incoming traffic through the firewall to come and steal the data that is being shared? I am wondering because I was thinking of sharing folders from one computer to another, but all have no passwords. Now since I am the only one in the LAN that has access to these files I am not concerned about security there. I just fear of an outsider coming in and potentially stealing the data. Any thoughts?

 

[chev65]

I am wondering, will sharing folders unsecured over a secured network be hazardous? Is it possible for incoming traffic through the firewall to come and steal the data that is being shared? I am wondering because I was thinking of sharing folders from one computer to another, but all have no passwords. Now since I am the only one in the LAN that has access to these files I am not concerned about security there. I just fear of an outsider coming in and potentially stealing the data. Any thoughts?

That is pretty unlikely because your router has a firewall and so does Windows, not to mention the A/V software.

If you require more security than a common Workgroup then setting up a Homegroup would make it safer because of the secondary password required to gain access to the Homegroup.

Workgroups are inherently not very secure because most any machine connecting to your network would be using the same "Workgroup" name and so would have access to all shared files in the network, setting up a Homegroup prevents this from occurring.

 

[ThrashZone]

HomeGroup from start to finish
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/help/homegroup-from-start-to-finish
File sharing essentials
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/File-sharing-essentials
Share files with someone
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/Share-files-with-someone
Setting up a home network
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-vista/setting-up-a-home-network