why is it dangerous to use someone else's wifi connection?

[wishmaker88]

there are many people with unlocked wifi connections or there are many free hotspots from shops
why is it dangerous to use these connections?
can the owner of the connection spy on you?
can he see the pages your are visiting or what you are downloading or access your computer's files?

[sbdfhs]

Theoretically, if you have allowed sharing of your files on another home network computer the owner of the wifi could spy on you assuming they know you are using it and can be bothered to pry inside your computer. In most cases this will be unlikely, but there it is a remote possible some places with public wifi could be equipped with a means to infiltrate your computer.

If you make sure that all folder sharing on your computer is turned off, you will be ok 99% of the time. The problem will occur if you leave your folder sharing open when using your computer outside your home, or are using a wifi that has been set up to snoop!

[Soccer]

Generally speaking, they technically are spying on what you're doing. Using the router's main control center they can see many of the things you are doing with their internet. Basic things are your signal, ip address, mac address, and such, but using various softwares can lead them to actually seeing what you're doing. As well many reports and files are sent between the router and a specific hard drive of information on what you are doing.

[Jazz]

Its no so much the owner I'd worry about. Anyone with the tech no how can spy and take information you send on a public wifi. Never buy anything with a credit card in a public place where anyone can connect to the wifi.

[M]

SImply because they can see all the traffic on their network as can anyone else using the network. For Example if you are sitting at Starbucks on the WiFi then all the other customers in the store could see your traffic if they wanted to.

Buy a quality VPN service that has a track record. Whatever you do don't buy based on any best VPN review type site. These are all scams. The best reviewed VPN providers are the ones that pay the most to the site owner for the rating. In fact, if the VPN is rated high on these sites I would avoid it at all costs. If they are willing to scam you like this over buying their service imagine what they will do with your data once they have you as a customer.

[Sammy]

I’d suggest a Personal VPN service http://www.surfbouncer.com

Which can be as cheap as 4 bucks a month