It sounds like this guy was stealing bandwidth. The setting that would have prevented that is access control, not encryption.
Use WPA, MAC address authentication access, and don't broadcast your SSID.
Airwaves are free game!!
"A more recent threat to emerge is the "evil twin" attack. A person with a wireless-equipped laptop can show up at, say, a coffee shop or airport and overpower the local Wi-Fi hotspot. The person then eavesdrops on unsuspecting computer users who connect to the bogus network."
Actually it's a "man in the middle" attack.
Put three geeks together...get three hundred people who can't quite understand them.
Guys, help me out: How can I protect myself? Are there simple instructions, sites I can visit for directions, etc.? Appreciate it, thanks.
WiFi security ping.
check this out
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Encryption of communications between the devices doesn't prevent the communication.
To limit the devices that can access your wireless network, ID each permitted device by its MAC.
bttt
I have a rock solid, 100% guaranteed way to secure my computer from unauthorized, Wi-Fi access: I don't USE Wi-Fi! Imagine that!
I never understood the appeal of it anyway. So you can sit on your porch while using your laptop? You can avoid hooking a simple cable into your computer at a coffee shop? WHOOPIE!
What's so taxing and challenging about running wires to where you normally would want to sit and work/play with your laptop? I mean, are Wi-Fi users literally walking around while they're online, and thus couldn't possibly use a cable/cord?
I already know the answer to that question, as my parents have Wi-Fi. But still, given these latests methods of theivery, if I were them I would look into just running wires to the most common points where they like to sit and work on the computer. I mean, why invite trouble?
No it doesn't. The roots are from when hobos would use chalk or coal to write symbols (on walls, billboards, etc) providing directions, information, and warnings to other hobos.
I use Cat45 encryption. It was safe, cheap, reliable, and FAST!!!!!
No, I don't get on any of the networks - I just map them for fun. And it is really cool what you can do with the brand new Google Earth Plus or Pro, properly formated GPS's wardriving data, and a little know-how. Fun. Now, if I can do it so can people with criminal intent. Secure your WAPS you idiots!