Wireless Security Guide (SM article)

Linc

Quickest Guide to Wireless Security (Ever)

Just remember that the terminology for virtually every vendor is the same, and that an SSID number or a WPA key are the most important things to take with you to each PC. Once you have all the security set up, however, there's virtually nothing a mortal person can do to eavesdrop on you and your network. It's your network! Take control, be secure, be safe.

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mtrox

Well written, well done Thrax. One question:

there's virtually nothing a mortal person can do to eavesdrop on you and your network.

Is this true? I've set up wireless 1,000 times, but am not the least bit interested in hacking. I had thought that ultimately all wireless, even WPA2, can be hacked if you know what your doing. Am I wrong?

Thrax

WPA2 is ridiculous. Not only does it use TKIP, which generates random codes to encrypt the random code that encrypts the wireless signal, the random code AND the wireless signal are both encrypted with EAS-bases scheme called CCMP, which verifies that the received signal is identical to the sent signal. There's also multiple layers of hash-checking and other encryption methods. A passphrase of 22 completely random characters makes it impossible to have a brute force entry performed on your network, as it would take months to crack, even with a rack of computers chugging away.

If you're smart about your password, and keep it to yourself only, you're golden. WPA2 is bloody brilliant.

Linc

Digg added. Nice work, Rob!

jworm

Thanks for the article. I've been wanting to do more research on this subject, but never had much time.

Thrax

jworm wrote:

Thanks for the article. I've been wanting to do more research on this subject, but never had much time.

You're very welcome.