Upgraded security for wireless network

me ^ | 10-26-06

[LouAvul]

Thanx for the advice about upgrading security settings. I called linksys and got sheila in the Philippines and set up security with WEP ten digit settings.

But, when someone hacks into your computer via wireless, can they read your hard drive? Can they watch you on the net? Or do they just establish a connection for their own wireless computer?

[Niteranger68]

But, when someone hacks into your computer via wireless, can they read your hard drive? Can they watch you on the net? Or do they just establish a connection for their own wireless computer?

One and three are definitely possible. Watching your net activities can be done, but not as easily as the other two.

[ConservativeMind]

If you have no firewall and Windows File and Printer Sharing on, it is very easy to get in to your computer.

Also, if your system isn't patched, especially with SP-2 for Windows XP, you run big risks.

There are many exploits that can crash Windows in the background that provide complete access to someone without your knowledge.

That said, people can read your websites and unencrypted passwords if they share the same cable segment. If your next door neighbor has cable and you do, too, they can sniff your traffic if devious enough. But you can read theirs, too.

[BeHoldAPaleHorse]

Yes to all of the above. There is sniffer software available (for very legitimate purposes, such as troubleshooting a network) that can be put to nefarious ends.

Man's ingenuity is, unfortunately, equaled by his perversity.

[Nat Turner]

first thing... stop using WEP...Move to WPA2 and place your PC's behind hardware firewalls and/or hubs with NAT. Also using software like Zone Alarm as a backup will help.

[steve-b]

Also, you have to use decent passwords. It's actually not terribly difficult to construct and remember a strong password using a mnemonic system -- example:

Rules: Extract the first letter (preserving case), append the number of letters in that word, keep all punctuation.

Memorized Phrase: Who is John Galt?
Password: W3i2J4G4?

Memorized Phrase: Quoth the raven, "Nevermore!"
Password: Q5t3r5,"N9!"

[edcoil]

What operating system do you have? Click on my computer, right click and if XP their is a sharing option. Select no not to share the computer.

[Nat Turner]

if I could teach users how to use decent passwords I would be out of job LOL

[Eva]

I just got a wireless connection and the installer said that my system was perfectly safe because no one could get close enough to my house to tap into it. Is that not true? I mean can someone tap into a wireless connection from a remote location?

[LouAvul]

I think it depends upon how close your wireless is to your neighbor/the street.

People actually drive around ("war driving") with wireless modems in their computer looking for a connection.

And I've heard of people in apartment buildings with a similar problem from their neighbors.

You can read this thread for some answers to your question.