Hi Lynn,
Setting up a wireless router so others can access the internet for E-Mail and surfing does not automatically permit sharing of files, data, and other types of information like it would in a network environment where authorized users may access data and information stored on other computers on the network. The only thing your co-therapists will be able to access is the Internet from the wireless router you set up.

Unless you're speaking of a network situation where the computers are connected together.

Thank you Zep. I would not be sharing files with the other people in my suite - just internet access.

I think what has me concerned/confused is that I'm aware of the warnings to not use an unsecured wireless network - because your data can be intercepted (or perhaps something put on your computer - although I think it's more about your activity being seen by others). So don't people who have access to my wireless network have the same opportunities to compromise my safety and confidentiality - by gaining access to some of the data I transmit? Isn't allowing somebody into your wireless network providing the same access that we're not supposed to allow via unsecured networks?

Granted, in this case I would know the specific two people who had access. My only concern is that these people are new to me. They are professionals who answered my ad for shared office space. I do generally trust my instincts but wonder if there's any vulnerability to sharing a secured wireless network.

Thank you.
Lynn

I wouldn't worry about it.. If they have the know how they could do it on the wired network too. Not a big difference when on the same network.
Think of the possible legal repercussions if they were to do that.

I believe you can set up your computer NOT to share. But in a business world, you may not have this option. The network owner may disabled or override this feature on your computer for the purpose of monitoring your work progress.

Keep in mind that at work, if it's not your own personal PC, the computer and every files in there is company's property. Yes, this includes all your personal ones that you save in there. The company can pretty much do whatever they want with their computers. You're simply just a user. It's harsh but reasonable.

Hi, Ntt. Thanks for your perspective - a good reminder for those who think they have privacy on a work computer.

But that is not my situation. I am a psychologist - and I'm self-employed. The computer and network are my own. I am not talking about sharing files - there is no question I will not be sharing files (nor would there be any reason to). The three of us sharing a suite do not share a practice. We are all solo independent practitioners. But it may be that the other two people in the suite would like to share the expense of internet. I am just trying to see if that leaves any of information on my computer vulnerable to being seen, captured, etc.

Thank you.
Lynn.

The short answer is that you can colleagues can share an internet connection while keeping the data on your computer relatively secure. But that's not to say that the data is absolutely secure, someone, in theory, could hack into your computer.

In Windows, you should password protect your user account. Ensure that guest access is turned off. Ensure that the folder or folder (including parent folders) that you store patient (or other private data) are not shared. If you want to add an additional layer of security, you may wish to encrypt the contents of the folders.

There may be state or Federal medical privacy laws that come into play here was well.

Thanks Mike. I do password protect my user account. But nobody has physical access to the computer. It is kept in a locked closet (deadbolt) - in my office which is also locked with a deadbolt. I am the only one with keys to the closet. Only building management has a key to my office (but not my closet).

So I don't think anyone can get my info by physically getting on to my computer. I was only concerned about access through a shared secured wireless network. Sounds like that will be okay (unless I was sharing space with master cyber thieves).

Thanks.
Lynn.

Hi Lynn. My husband is a psychiatrist and I worked for him. Because I did the billing and patient history, all information had to be kept on 'wired' computers. We shared our files through a wired connection with a password switch.

When we first set it up, Medicare/Medicaid did not permit patient information through wireless routers. It might have changed now, but for safety reasons, you should keep your computer wired. You are completely liable for any private information which could get stolen.

You can share a wireless connection with your colleagues but don't keep any patient files on that machine.

We had patients who were expert at hacking and would show me how they could pick up our neighbors wireless and start access their files. I was shocked and a bit frightened.

Of course, this particular person was trying to make a point how unsafe wireless connections can be if not encrypted. He actually went to our neighbors office to tell them they should encrypt their router.

I don't know if he could have done this with a password protected router, but we weren't going to test it out.

You should check Medicare regulations. Even if you don't take Medicare, their regulations are law regarding patient privacy. Things may have changed but worth checking.

Jane

Lynn, I now see more clearly what you're trying to do. It's much like setting up a network at home.

When you're sharing internet with 2 or 3 computers, you'd be setting up a router (such as a Linksys) with wireless capability.

First you'd need to setup the router with an encryption. The manual for Linksys has good instruction on how to set it up. This will only allows computers that share the same encryption number to be within the network and will keep the others away. The nearby computers will see the Linksys ID but will not be able to get into the network without the encryption number.

Since you're the owner, you have the choice of who to give that encryption number to once you had it set up. This number can be changed at anytime you feel a threaten nearby. I normally use the Linksys auto encryption number because it uses a lengthy combination of letters (case sensitive) and numbers which makes it difficult to hack into.

What Jane explained only works if you're not setting up a network. When you set up a network, regardless of whether you're using wireless or a cable, all 3 computers can still be seen if allowed to.

Each individual computer within the same network can be set up so not to allow other computers to see it. The only thing they could see is a list of computer's name within the network.

Windows have a network security feature in the Control Panel that allows you to set up what you want to share and what not. For example, all 3 of you may want to share the same printer and nothing else.

As far as hacking, by setting up an uncrypted router (hardware firewall), you should be pretty safe. Plus, each individual computer should also have a firewall software installed. This is the 2nd protection. A professional hackar (or whatever you call him/her) would probably not interest in your type of business to go through the trouble of hacking into your network.

Think of it as your home have an alarm system but your neighbor doesn't. Guess, which home the burglar would rather break into?

As for within the network, if all 3 of you trust each others enough to share the cost of internet service, I don't see a reason for worrying with one of you hacking the other one's computer. Do you? If you do however, then, it's best not to share the internet service. You may want to set up a rule to let each others know right away when one of the computer is stolen. If that ever happens, change the encryption code right away to prevent the stolen computer entering into your network. Keep in mind that the your friend's computer won't be able neither until you provide them with the new code.

Someone already mentioned, it's best to always set up a password and 'lock up' (not log off) the system whenever you're walking away from it for a few minutes.

I know you probably already know some of these things. I just add the info in for other readers that may need it.