Hello, I have a question about network security that I was hoping the experts on this forum could answer.
My friends have a desktop that they connect directly to their modem via a hardline for their internet access. They are not the most computer savvy and over time, the desktop has built up with all kinds of junk. I would not be surprised if some malware or other nasty stuff has found its way into their computer. Because of this, I don't want to use their computer so I will be bringing my laptop when I go to visit them. Problem is that I will have to get wireless router so I can get internet access and that will mean having to connect their computer to the router so they can have access too ( I want to use the router as a hub and don't want to do the whole shuffle of unplugging the router and plugging the cable back into their computer).
My question is, if I am on the wireless and they are using the hardline plugged into the router, is my computer at risk from whatever nasty stuff is on theirs? Would the two computers be considered "networked" and will the bad stuff on their computer have access to mine? Is there a way to isolate their computer (or my computer)? Does NIS protect against something like this?
Thanks.