Welcome to Just Ask Matt! Today, Julie writes:

I just got a new Sony Vaio laptop that has the ability for wireless connections. Whenever I start up my laptop, an info box pops up from the tray on the task bar stating it found a wireless network connection. I did not set anything up (softwarewise on my laptop) nor do I have a wireless network. Not knowing a lot about wireless networks, should I be concerned about security? I mean, am I vulnerable because the laptop is detecting a wireless network? Thanks.

Sounds like you can at least rest easy knowing your Wi-Fi card is working! ;o) Seriously though, this is just your computer letting you know that it sees a wireless access point that is available and is wondering if you would be interested in connecting to it.

Since it is not really that likely that you have your laptop set to automatically connect to that network, you having nothing to be concerned about. Still, it is ALWAYS advisable to be running an up-to-date software firewall to keep intruders off of your machine regardless of using a wired or wireless access point. By doing that, having updated anti-virus software and all of your security patches in place from Windows Updates, you should be fine. If you are still really concerned, it might not hurt to disable file and printer sharing, as well. This way you can rest a little easier knowing things are as secure as possible. Hope that helps!

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