Wireless Security Guide

Iria · Apr 17, 2008, 04:45 PM

Almost anyone can purchase and use a wireless gateway or router in their home or office. The setup of these devices often come with a wizard to step you through and get the device working. The problem is that most of these wizards disregard common security holes and leave you open to hackers and even your neighbors accessing your data. How do you plug these holes and how does wireless work? We answer these questions in our simple guide to wireless security.
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Source: TWL

Matth · Apr 17, 2008, 05:54 PM

One tired old idea still perpetuated - unbroadcast SSID.

At best, it makes accidental connection unlikely, but does not comtribute much to a well secured network.

Better to have the router broadcast SSID, and then use the Wireless client update (XP) and ensure that "connect if not broadcasting" is UNCHECKED, otherwise every client with an option to use this network broadcasts the name when NOT connected as it hunts.

Broadcasting the SSID also "lays claim" to the channel, and encourages other users to select a clear channel for their network if possible.

Apr 17, 2008, 04:45 PM	#1
Iria DriverHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 7,275 Rep Power: 89	Wireless Security Guide Almost anyone can purchase and use a wireless gateway or router in their home or office. The setup of these devices often come with a wizard to step you through and get the device working. The problem is that most of these wizards disregard common security holes and leave you open to hackers and even your neighbors accessing your data. How do you plug these holes and how does wireless work? We answer these questions in our simple guide to wireless security. __________ Source: TWL

Apr 17, 2008, 05:54 PM	#2
Matth Flash Banner Hater Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: UK Posts: 3,426 Rep Power: 93 System Specs	One tired old idea still perpetuated - unbroadcast SSID. At best, it makes accidental connection unlikely, but does not comtribute much to a well secured network. Better to have the router broadcast SSID, and then use the Wireless client update (XP) and ensure that "connect if not broadcasting" is UNCHECKED, otherwise every client with an option to use this network broadcasts the name when NOT connected as it hunts. Broadcasting the SSID also "lays claim" to the channel, and encourages other users to select a clear channel for their network if possible. __________________ Mary had a little lamb, Her father shot it dead Now Mary takes her lamb to school, Between two crusts of bread