wireless security

jmlikos · 10-09-2007, 09:04 PM

I just got a laptop a few weeks ago and it has a wireless card. What is the best form of security for a wireless network?

fvbounty · 10-09-2007, 10:30 PM

For most people WPA....

Fasuno · 10-10-2007, 04:55 AM

Im using WEP, which isn't as secure as WPA but I don't think anyone else in my local area even owns a computer

, and no, I don't live in a nut house

jmlikos · 10-10-2007, 05:30 AM

Thanks. I just wasn't sure if it used a software firewall like a pc or not. i appreciate it.

SupDawg · 10-10-2007, 06:05 AM

I would suggest a hardware firewall. What kind of router do you have?

fvbounty · 10-10-2007, 09:39 AM

Most all new routers have a built in firewall and wep, wap, and wap2...

Rick_EE · 10-10-2007, 10:14 AM

Look at the strongest encryption that your wireless care in the lappy can handle. WPA2 appears to be the strongest on the market atm.

ctal · 10-10-2007, 10:17 AM

A firewall (hardware of software) and encryption (WEP or WPA) serve two different purposes, and you will probably want to have both.

Encryption prevents someone very nearby (within wireless range) from intercepting your wireless data and logging passwords, etc. It also helps keep unauthorized users from using the internet connection, because they will not be able to log on to the wireless network without the encryption key.

The firewall serves the same purpose as for a desktop PC, preventing hackers and zombie computers on the Internet from penetrating your computer, most likely by taking advantage of any security vulnerabilities that may be present.

As was mentioned, many routers have some sort of firewall protection built in. Even if they don't, many people appear to do ok with the network address translation that most or all routers provide, plus Windows built-in firewall. If you want the best in semi-affordable firewall protection, get a SonicWall hardware firewall ($400+), which is what I use.

Hope that helps,
-- Al

ctal · 10-10-2007, 10:20 AM

I meant to say "hardware or software," not "hardware of software." There is no "edit post" option on my previous post.

jmlikos · 10-10-2007, 10:51 PM

Thanks. I appreciate all the input. That will definitely get me started!

10-09-2007, 09:04 PM	#1
jmlikos Soli Deo Gloria Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Rocky Top Posts: 812	wireless security I just got a laptop a few weeks ago and it has a wireless card. What is the best form of security for a wireless network? __________________ " The Road goes ever on and on Down from the door where it began. Now far ahead the Road has gone, And I must follow, if I can, Pursuing it with eager feet, Until it joins some larger way Where many paths and errands meet And whither then? I cannot say. " - J. R. R. Tolkien
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10-09-2007, 10:30 PM	#2
fvbounty Eat Wild Pacific Salmon Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Alameda Ca Posts: 5,179	Re: wireless security For most people WPA.... __________________ New Gaming rig - Asus P5E3 Deluxe Wi-Fi - Intel QX9650 - CORSAIR TWIN3X2048-1600C7DHXIN 2GB PC3-12800 - 150 gig Raptor - 320 gig WD 3200YS - Corsair HX 620 watt PS - EVGA 512-P3-N841-A3 GeForce 8800GTS (G92) 512MB - AMD FX 55 - XP-90C & SilentCat 9 - Asus A8N-SLI with Swiftech MCX159 - 2X1024 Corsair 3500LLPro 2-3-2-6 1T - 2X BFG 6800GT OC Zalman VF700-CU - 1 WD 74 Gig Raptor boot - 1 Seagate 7200 sata data - Nec 3500A - Plextor 716AL Slot Loader - Enermax EG 701 AX 600 watt PS - Silverstone Temjin TJ03B case with side window - G7 lazer mouse - Cannon Pixma I8500 printer - Windows XP Pro SP2 Slipstreamed - Dell 2405FPW lcd * Please note: any advertising within this post has been placed there by the site owner and NOT by me! *
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10-10-2007, 04:55 AM	#3
Fasuno Registered User Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: England Posts: 370	Re: wireless security Im using WEP, which isn't as secure as WPA but I don't think anyone else in my local area even owns a computer , and no, I don't live in a nut house __________________ keep doing it till you get caught
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10-10-2007, 05:30 AM	#4
jmlikos Soli Deo Gloria Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Rocky Top Posts: 812	Re: wireless security Thanks. I just wasn't sure if it used a software firewall like a pc or not. i appreciate it. __________________ " The Road goes ever on and on Down from the door where it began. Now far ahead the Road has gone, And I must follow, if I can, Pursuing it with eager feet, Until it joins some larger way Where many paths and errands meet And whither then? I cannot say. " - J. R. R. Tolkien
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10-10-2007, 06:05 AM	#5
SupDawg Registered User Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 7,078	Re: wireless security I would suggest a hardware firewall. What kind of router do you have? __________________ The views expressed in this electronic dialogue are mine alone. "All physics are belong to me. " Kongo
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10-10-2007, 09:39 AM	#6
fvbounty Eat Wild Pacific Salmon Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Alameda Ca Posts: 5,179	Re: wireless security Most all new routers have a built in firewall and wep, wap, and wap2... __________________ New Gaming rig - Asus P5E3 Deluxe Wi-Fi - Intel QX9650 - CORSAIR TWIN3X2048-1600C7DHXIN 2GB PC3-12800 - 150 gig Raptor - 320 gig WD 3200YS - Corsair HX 620 watt PS - EVGA 512-P3-N841-A3 GeForce 8800GTS (G92) 512MB - AMD FX 55 - XP-90C & SilentCat 9 - Asus A8N-SLI with Swiftech MCX159 - 2X1024 Corsair 3500LLPro 2-3-2-6 1T - 2X BFG 6800GT OC Zalman VF700-CU - 1 WD 74 Gig Raptor boot - 1 Seagate 7200 sata data - Nec 3500A - Plextor 716AL Slot Loader - Enermax EG 701 AX 600 watt PS - Silverstone Temjin TJ03B case with side window - G7 lazer mouse - Cannon Pixma I8500 printer - Windows XP Pro SP2 Slipstreamed - Dell 2405FPW lcd * Please note: any advertising within this post has been placed there by the site owner and NOT by me! *
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10-10-2007, 10:14 AM	#7
Rick_EE Stuck in Jita Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Milwaukee, WI Posts: 1,025	Re: wireless security Look at the strongest encryption that your wireless care in the lappy can handle. WPA2 appears to be the strongest on the market atm. __________________ "Your a looser"- internet phrase of the day.
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10-10-2007, 10:17 AM	#8
ctal Eschews Obfuscation Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Connecticut, USA Posts: 1,314	Re: wireless security A firewall (hardware of software) and encryption (WEP or WPA) serve two different purposes, and you will probably want to have both. Encryption prevents someone very nearby (within wireless range) from intercepting your wireless data and logging passwords, etc. It also helps keep unauthorized users from using the internet connection, because they will not be able to log on to the wireless network without the encryption key. The firewall serves the same purpose as for a desktop PC, preventing hackers and zombie computers on the Internet from penetrating your computer, most likely by taking advantage of any security vulnerabilities that may be present. As was mentioned, many routers have some sort of firewall protection built in. Even if they don't, many people appear to do ok with the network address translation that most or all routers provide, plus Windows built-in firewall. If you want the best in semi-affordable firewall protection, get a SonicWall hardware firewall ($400+), which is what I use. Hope that helps, -- Al
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10-10-2007, 10:20 AM	#9
ctal Eschews Obfuscation Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Connecticut, USA Posts: 1,314	Re: wireless security I meant to say "hardware or software," not "hardware of software." There is no "edit post" option on my previous post.
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10-10-2007, 10:51 PM	#10
jmlikos Soli Deo Gloria Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Rocky Top Posts: 812	Re: wireless security Thanks. I appreciate all the input. That will definitely get me started! __________________ " The Road goes ever on and on Down from the door where it began. Now far ahead the Road has gone, And I must follow, if I can, Pursuing it with eager feet, Until it joins some larger way Where many paths and errands meet And whither then? I cannot say. " - J. R. R. Tolkien
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