Is it bad to use unsecured wifi?

-the apartment complex i'm in has unsecured default wifi. it's free and fast but is it bad for my computer?Not bad for the computer, but bad for you. Anyone else connected to that wireless can sniff all your network traffic, and steal your user ids and other personal information. Worst yet, if it's a hacker that is running that wireless (they do that...), they will be logging everything from all the users, and doing things like stealing identity of those users... Another danger is that if any other computer using the wireless is infected with a virus that spreads via the network (via Windows exploits), your machine may be at risk unless you have a good firewall and AV installed on your system.



Bottom line, using an unsecured wireless IS dangerous to your privacy - consider it open to anyone, and that all can see what you do. So, if all you do is surf the internet or watch youtube videos, you may be somewhat safe. Never "log into" anything when using an open wireless.
not necessarily, you do have to be careful though.



If you are visiting secure sites, then the wifi is irrelevant because the assumption of secure transaction over the internet is that if a malicious user sees the data you send they will not be able to comprehend the meaning of the data...i.e. they won't be able to read your password (because the actual data will not look anything like plain text).



So what you need to be careful of is sending information unsecurely, which most things will do. For instance, the stuff I'm typing right now is probably not encrypted. But anytime you give your password, that should be secure.
Best thing to do if is open is always do HTTPS like https://www.facebook.com, https://www.twitter.com and make sure you have a VERY strong firewall!



And if is open by default and not like a company name such as btopenzone, the cloud, starbucks then find out whos wireless is it and tell them they need to padlock there wireless connection as anyone with a laptop can sniffer the connection



Hope i have help out a little. =)
the TOP contributor answer is right... but all you have to do is to protect your computer by latest antivirus..firewall and keep them up to date by the same wireless internet ;) and enjoy using it until the wireless honor wont protect it... because if he/she cant access your computer by strong security so he/she will must stop giving you internet :)



and remember don't accept any file or such kind of thing.
Its not that bad, until the FBI knock on your door because according to records, your IP/internet address were used to hack the banks.
people can see your public files on your computer. 90 percent of appartments your really got nothing to worry about. mostly just a privacy issue
It wont harm ur comp.

BUT

People outside ur house can use it and download things



Password protect ur WiFi and get anti virus software (even if u download it for free)