"Connect Automatically" box is checked for all the networks in range

Hi Omar,

I'm not Loreto, I am the OP of this thread, and you typed this response to my post, not Loreto's.

I appreciate you taking the time to write a detailed how-to for this problem.

However, it does not in any way solve the issue I originally posted about, not from a security standpoint at least.

Loreto was the Microsoft forum moderator who offered a suggestion on August 30, 2016.

I responded September 2nd, and explained that her solution did not address my concerns.

You responded to me, not Loreto.

I don't think you read what I wrote on September 2nd very carefully, because your solution suffers exactly the same shortcomings as the one offered by Loreto.

Manually blocking networks one-by-one is NOT in any way whatsoever an acceptable solution to this problem.

Why?

Well I've already said why. At least twice in this thread.

This solution only blocks networks after I have already identified them. If we are concerned about a malicious network trying to get my computer to connect to it automatically, that's too late.

This solution requires me to manually block networks one-by-one. Which is tedious at best and woefully inadequate to address the security issues presented by this.

Right now I have 47 networks in range. Let's say I block them all.

I guarantee you that tomorrow there will be networks within range which I did not identify today. So let's say I block those networks tomorrow.

The next day there will be more. On any given day most of the networks that appear within range are different than the day before.

As I mentioned in a previous post, I live in a very densely populated area. It's also a popular area for wardriving/warwalking.  Instead of wardriving (looking for open or vulnerable networks) a hacker with a black heart could easily begin to pwn Win 8 machines by setting up a malicious hotspot and letting Win 8 machines automatically connect to it. It doesn't need to stay connected for long. If I can get your machine to connect to my untrusted malicious network, I can potentially use that to pivot my attack and rootkit your own router within minutes, or install malware on your machine. You'd have to be watching all the networks in range to see my new hotspot appear, and you'd only have a few minutes to block me.

I am talking about my own observations at my own location. If I had written down every new network that appeared within range of me over the last two years, there would be thousands of them.

Your technique is essentially "blacklisting," -- identifying specific networks you do not want to connect to.

As a general principle of network security it is better to whitelist than to blacklist. In other words, it's better to identify specific networks you do trust, and block everything else, rather than allow all connections other than the ones you specifically forbid.

I cant remember the thread starter but in case it was you please accept my error (feel really embarrassed if it turns out to be you LOL).

Wow Vince,

Many thanks. You actually restored my faith in humanity's manners. I provided a solution to a long running thread that was frustrating Windows users and you'd think a quick thanks would be sacrificed. Especially from the thread starter.

The fact is my effort was worth it to benefit individuals like (unlike may be planted competitor complaints . . . or  is this mischevious conspiracy theory a step too far LOL).

Enjoy your clean wifi profile.

Regards.

THANK YOU VERY MUCH for this fix. It worked flawlessly!!!

But I can't believe that NOBODY responded to you - not even a quick thanks...

Sad to see people are getting so unappreciative these days.

Anyway, I'm very happy with your solution and wanted to make sure you receive the credit you deserve!

Best regards,

-Vince

So is this where we left off....No Solution? I have Windows 7 with same issue. I thinks the whole world does.

Hi JB, 

Please see my response to Loreto dated 09.09.2016. 

All the best.