Is your wireles internet secure?
July 30th 2007 04:06
Internet wireless security
I am amazed at the amount of unsecured wireless network internet users in my local area.
All this started when I stopped off at my local shopping center I proceeded to take out my laptop and check my emails, logged on to Telstra wifi no problem I did what I had to do and after logging off I noticed that my other wireless card was active….very interesting.
I noticed on my laptop a list a number of wireless networks 6 where active,only one of them was encrypted the other networks where wide open essentially providing free internet to anyone within range.
I found that I could log on to most of them from my car and use their internet even worse the password on the router/modem was left at default setting and guess what the user name was also "default "very scary indeed.
I don’t think most people realize that they are venerable and can be accessed by unauthorized users. Most router/modem have generic passwords, these are set by the manufacture and the user name and passwords are usually admin/password and people don’t bother to change the password or user name to something else. Avoid using common names like John or Fred make your password more than 8 letters try and make a combination of letters and numbers use WPA instead of WEP encryption.( WPA is more secure than WEP)
If you are uncertain consult a professional. I recommend a great website Gibson Research http://www.grc.com/default.htm where you can get good advice free software and you can get your internet connection tested on line for possible exploits.
Visit GRC website:Goto GRC.com
I decided to do little test in my street and you….. guessed it more free internet I drove passed my neighbour’s place( who had recently moved in) and he’s wireless network was not encrypted. I stopped and knocked on the door and after exchanging the usual pleasantries told his the good news I wont write down what he said!!…..needless to say he was very surprised and said “no wonder my internet bill was high”. He had purchased a router but did not proceed to secure the network. After changing his password and router user names and allocating a WPA encryption key( WPA is more secure than WEP encryption) and turning off his router beacon he essentially “disappeared” making it difficult for anyone to see his network. Most router/modems will have an encryption wizard featured and this will help create and install proper encryption.
Have you checked your wireless router/ network connection lately?
Most computer operating systems will have a section where you can check if your network is secure status.
I am amazed at the amount of unsecured wireless network internet users in my local area.
All this started when I stopped off at my local shopping center I proceeded to take out my laptop and check my emails, logged on to Telstra wifi no problem I did what I had to do and after logging off I noticed that my other wireless card was active….very interesting.
I noticed on my laptop a list a number of wireless networks 6 where active,only one of them was encrypted the other networks where wide open essentially providing free internet to anyone within range.
I don’t think most people realize that they are venerable and can be accessed by unauthorized users. Most router/modem have generic passwords, these are set by the manufacture and the user name and passwords are usually admin/password and people don’t bother to change the password or user name to something else. Avoid using common names like John or Fred make your password more than 8 letters try and make a combination of letters and numbers use WPA instead of WEP encryption.( WPA is more secure than WEP)
If you are uncertain consult a professional. I recommend a great website Gibson Research http://www.grc.com/default.htm where you can get good advice free software and you can get your internet connection tested on line for possible exploits.
Visit GRC website:Goto GRC.com
I decided to do little test in my street and you….. guessed it more free internet I drove passed my neighbour’s place( who had recently moved in) and he’s wireless network was not encrypted. I stopped and knocked on the door and after exchanging the usual pleasantries told his the good news I wont write down what he said!!…..needless to say he was very surprised and said “no wonder my internet bill was high”. He had purchased a router but did not proceed to secure the network. After changing his password and router user names and allocating a WPA encryption key( WPA is more secure than WEP encryption) and turning off his router beacon he essentially “disappeared” making it difficult for anyone to see his network. Most router/modems will have an encryption wizard featured and this will help create and install proper encryption.
Have you checked your wireless router/ network connection lately?
Check your network to see if it is secure
Most computer operating systems will have a section where you can check if your network is secure status.
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Comment by James Rickard
unlucky_ fishermen.com
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