Wireless security, I want the real story

Protozoa

Protozoa

New Member
My question has to do with wireless network security. Let me apologize in advance for what may seem to be a silly question. I'm a long time computer user, but have only recently started to develop an interest in them.

I know that everyone says you should set your network up as a password protected system. But, I'm curious as to why this is needed. I'm not talking about the possibility of a neighbor hooking up to my wireless router (either accidentally or intentionally), because I'm sure that has happened... and frankly, I really don't care. I'm talking about the possibility of someone using my unsecured Wireless G network to tap into my home's computers.

I suppose that another part of this is that I'm not so much interested in the theoretical possibilities as I am the probabilities. Maybe a crack team of hackers could sit in my front yard for a couple days and eventually steal some exciting Word Document from my laptop (like the one titled "letter to grandmother"... the horror); but I'm talking about something else. I'm talking about the possibility that, with little effort, some sneaky person who lives nearby could hack into the network and grab important personal data off my computers.

I have resisted making my system password protected for a number of reasons. One is obviously that I'm skeptical that there is a real-world chance that someone would break into my computer through it. Also, I have a large family, and we are in almost a constant state of flux when it comes to retiring old computers, buying new systems, adding printers, etc. So, it's just easier to do all this without dealing with a password.

One of the things that has made me recently wonder a bit more about this is that I learned about software like Network Magic. My thought was that "if I could buy this software and share data between comupters on my network... what's to stop someone else from doing the same?"
 
tremmor

tremmor

Well-Known Member
Protozoa, i doubt if any would be able to hack into the computer. i was never much interested in that. i was always interested in someone not using my ip for illegal purpose only. Im not much worried about it because and thinking most are professionals any way closing all ports not used for security is of interest. an excellent firewall is in order. Sygate professional is one (which i use).

Consider someone piggy backing on your ip (which you don't consider important besides using your bandwidth). consider that person downloading music or what ever. What if child pornography? The sites a person if sniffed would only lead a trail to your ip addy.

Your router (password protect)
Use wep encryption
use authorized addy for wireless connections.

its in your best interest..........
cheers.
 
johnb35

johnb35

Administrator
Staff member
Protozoa said:
My question has to do with wireless network security. Let me apologize in advance for what may seem to be a silly question. I'm a long time computer user, but have only recently started to develop an interest in them.

I know that everyone says you should set your network up as a password protected system. But, I'm curious as to why this is needed. I'm not talking about the possibility of a neighbor hooking up to my wireless router (either accidentally or intentionally), because I'm sure that has happened... and frankly, I really don't care. I'm talking about the possibility of someone using my unsecured Wireless G network to tap into my home's computers.

I suppose that another part of this is that I'm not so much interested in the theoretical possibilities as I am the probabilities. Maybe a crack team of hackers could sit in my front yard for a couple days and eventually steal some exciting Word Document from my laptop (like the one titled "letter to grandmother"... the horror); but I'm talking about something else. I'm talking about the possibility that, with little effort, some sneaky person who lives nearby could hack into the network and grab important personal data off my computers.

I have resisted making my system password protected for a number of reasons. One is obviously that I'm skeptical that there is a real-world chance that someone would break into my computer through it. Also, I have a large family, and we are in almost a constant state of flux when it comes to retiring old computers, buying new systems, adding printers, etc. So, it's just easier to do all this without dealing with a password.

One of the things that has made me recently wonder a bit more about this is that I learned about software like Network Magic. My thought was that "if I could buy this software and share data between comupters on my network... what's to stop someone else from doing the same?"
Click to expand...

You only need a pass key or phrase to establish security on a router. You don't need to enter it everytime, once you enter it to gain accessibility then it automatically gets saved you the laptop or wireless device automatically connects everytime. It's always best to secure a wireless network. If you are worried about personal data, just secure it with a password, no need to buy additional software.
 
Quiltface

Quiltface

Active Member
tremmor said:
Protozoa, i doubt if any would be able to hack into the computer. i was never much interested in that. i was always interested in someone not using my ip for illegal purpose only. Im not much worried about it because and thinking most are professionals any way closing all ports not used for security is of interest. an excellent firewall is in order. Sygate professional is one (which i use).

Consider someone piggy backing on your ip (which you don't consider important besides using your bandwidth). consider that person downloading music or what ever. What if child pornography? The sites a person if sniffed would only lead a trail to your ip addy.

Your router (password protect)
Use wep encryption
use authorized addy for wireless connections.

its in your best interest..........
cheers.
Click to expand...

he is 99% correct.... everything except for 1st sentence... once someone has a private ip on your network there really isnt much effort to hack your computer, even if you dont have anything on your computer that is personal like Credit card info or whatever... they could still corrupt your computer so it will be inoperable.

But his point on child pornography and what ever... very good point, you dont want a little blue dot on your house and be labeled a sex offender for the rest of your life do you?
 
tremmor

tremmor

Well-Known Member
i think the conversation about wireless was esthetically correct pertaining to wireless. other security matters are in order and have to be considered. Yes you are correct, and stealing would be an issue. On the other hand i think this could get into another subject.

good subject though. more people have a need to know.
it will be brought up again.

cheers.....
 
Quiltface

Quiltface

Active Member
If I had a nickel for every time I gave someone a black eye over WEP... Id have a pocket full of nickels.
 
Protozoa

Protozoa

New Member
Well, I appreciate the advice. I enabled WPA security on my network, and it does appear to be hassle-free once that's done.

I also understand the issue about people using your network to do illegal things, but I'm one of those people who is a bit skeptical about the power of urban legend. Has anyone really ever been prosecuted as a sex offender because a neighbor used their network to download child porn? Prove me wrong (by link or otherwise), but I'm having a hard time believing that has happened. It makes for a sensational story, however.
 
brian

brian

VIP Member
tremmor said:
Protozoa, i doubt if any would be able to hack into the computer. i was never much interested in that. i was always interested in someone not using my ip for illegal purpose only. Im not much worried about it because and thinking most are professionals any way closing all ports not used for security is of interest. an excellent firewall is in order. Sygate professional is one (which i use).

Consider someone piggy backing on your ip (which you don't consider important besides using your bandwidth). consider that person downloading music or what ever. What if child pornography? The sites a person if sniffed would only lead a trail to your ip addy.

Your router (password protect)
Use wep encryption
use authorized addy for wireless connections.

its in your best interest..........
cheers.
Click to expand...


dude that has been hacked since 2000's ish it is way to old and can be cracked in 10 sec... 5 min for someone not even knowing how to do it. wpa is ok still does give a handshake that can be cracked by pros and takes a bit longer. wpa2 to my knolage has not been cracked or at least takes a looooooooon time and a pro hacker to do it. also to make a key longer is better theis days dont have like 1$@dhj too short make it something that is A) not in the dicinary, B) long and uses, numbers, symbles, letters (uper and lower) you can get tricky and use something like @pp|3 (apple but something longer reason, not in the dicinary.) but really no one would go after you unless you had a sign saying working for the gov in the front of your lawn. but people can slown your network down and remember, if you send something over the network, every computer on the network can see that packet you sent
 
tremmor

tremmor

Well-Known Member
sorry, thats all i got. I think mostly i protect the best i can. Nobody will question it. i also use other means but im a player and hang out downstairs. if issue has been in the past just surfing ive been involved in lawsuit for satellite piracy. i use proxy service and i personally use a private secure web tunnel for illegal activity. never a public tunnel.

hacking my sheet won't happen. im secure.
 
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M

ms2134

New Member
Yes, the police are now tracking down Via IP addresses to find those who DL child porn online. It can be a real hassle to tell them it was not you because it came from your IP. If you got a big bill for bandwidth. That would annoy aswell
 
Protozoa

Protozoa

New Member
ms2134 said:
Yes, the police are now tracking down Via IP addresses to find those who DL child porn online.
Click to expand...

I'll believe it when you provide a link to a news aricle about someone being thrown in the slammer because some perv used their network.
 
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