Did someone just access my imac?

[newmacmom]

I sometimes have my imac set on shared so I can share files between it and my macbook. I happened to look, and under shared is another computer that I have no idea about. When I clicked on it, it said "connection failed" but I wonder if someone else accessed my files already?

The setting is now off shared! I can't get much info about this computer at all. Help!

 

[Tallest Skil]

If they know your username and password, they could have gotten on without you knowing and done anything they wished.

If they don't, you're safe enough.

 

[Mackilroy]

As Tallest Skill said, they have to know your username and password - otherwise, no dice.

 

[aristobrat]

I can't get much info about this computer at all. Help!

What type of network is your iMac/MacBook on? Wireless at home? If so, is the wireless network protected with WEP or WPA to prevent other computers from joining without your knowledge/permission?

 

[newmacmom]

wireless

What type of network is your iMac/MacBook on? Wireless at home? If so, is the wireless network protected with WEP or WPA to prevent other computers from joining without your knowledge/permission?

Yes, my imac is on wireless, and I do have it secured...I am just wondering how this computer name got on my network to begin with if they do not have my password/username? Should I be changing my password?

 

[nanofrog]

Yes, my imac is on wireless, and I do have it secured...I am just wondering how this computer name got on my network to begin with if they do not have my password/username? Should I be changing my password?

To be safe, Yes.
Simple, cheap security. Try to make it difficult.
It would likely be wise to change it on a regular basis anyway.

 

[aristobrat]

Yes, my imac is on wireless, and I do have it secured...I am just wondering how this computer name got on my network to begin with if they do not have my password/username? Should I be changing my password?

All they need to get on your network is the key/passphrase that you used when you setup your wireless security. That's different from the username/password that you use to logon to your Mac.

Like nanofrog said, it's a good idea to change those every now and then anyway.

 

[gehrbox]

I sometimes have my imac set on shared so I can share files between it and my macbook. I happened to look, and under shared is another computer that I have no idea about. When I clicked on it, it said "connection failed" but I wonder if someone else accessed my files already?

The setting is now off shared! I can't get much info about this computer at all. Help!

What you are seeing under the Finder sharing list is other peoples shares. If they don't have access to a valid user name and password you should be safe.

Is it possible that your Mac is connecting to somebody elses wireless router? If that were they case you would see their computers and shares. Happens once in a while in my neighborhood.

I know when traveling with my Dell work laptop it will pickup other laptops and show them as wireless access points.

Here is a discussion on the same subject http://www.mac-forums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=103176