I just installed a wireless router so my GF can use her laptop on the cable modem.

Everything is working fine. I'm just a little worried about security...

I have "Enable Access Point" checked, and "Allow Trusted Stations Only". I then set her laptop as the only trusted station. Does this mean that only her laptop is now able to access the router (wirelessly)?

Thanks...

 

Sounds like you are covered pretty well. You might check to see if you can turn the SSID broadcast off if you haven't already. That way a person outside searching for a wireless network won't see yours. I haven't done the Trusted Stations, but it's pretty easy to set up a MAC filter. Maybe this is the same thing as the trusted stations on your router? Just some ideas.

 

Sounds like MAC filtering to me. Weak. If you didn't enable WEP or WPA encryption your screwed. Open the manual and enable encryption. Otherwise I'll sit outside your GF's place (after I'm done having my way with her), spoof the so-called 'trusted station's MAC address and begin to use her Internet connection to send more hate mail to key government officials.

Don't say I didn't tell you so when the feds come and haul your ****'s to the pen.

 

Its not quite that simple but pretty darn close. They'd likely grab your neighbor who didn't even bother to do that much.

You should enable WEP or WPA though. It isn't difficult.

 

Uhhhh, with MAC filtering it is that simple.

 

I agree it is easy....but it still requires someone to

A. Find your network
B. Sniff your network for enough packets to get the MAC, IP addresses, etc
C. Fake the MAC

When the neighbor is giving it away for free they'll go there.

But for the record I do agree that WEP or WPA should be used for all wireless networks.

BTW...closer....here is what the geeks are talking about and why MAC filtering alone is easy to break.

http://channels.lockergnome.com/it/a...iltering.phtml

 

I agree with the others to use WEP or WPA. I would use WPA. A WEP key can be cracked using Aircrack or other tools. We tested tools on our network and was able to obtain our WEP key in a short period of time.

 

Such an eloquent speaker, D. I just hope that since she lives with me I don't wake up some night with you getting freaky in the window on my side of the bed... But just in case I'll make sure both shotguns are moved a little closer to the bed...

So, anyway... Can someone please explain a little more about enableing WPA and WEP or possibly direct me to a site that can?

This whole internet crap just gets less and less worthwhile all the time.

thanks...

 

Easy reading... what make/model of WAP do you have?

http://kbserver.netgear.com/kb_web_files/n100684.asp

 

Another thing I do is turn off my wireless access point when it's not needed. I run hard lines to all my full time computers. When my wife and her friend are here with their laptops I turn on the wireless so they can sit whereever they want. I run WEP 128bit.

If it's going to be a permanent thing then use the WAP.

 

I agree with this guy.....at a minimum you should use WPA and forget about the mac filters and ssid 'HIDING'

http://blogs.zdnet.com/Ou/index.php?p=43