Do I need to enable wireless encryption?

[Medellon]

Do I really need to enable wireless encryption and security features when I only have a small home network where I'm basically the only user?

 

[nanaki333]

you won't be the only user if it's not encrypted.

 

[Medellon]

Okay but I'm not really close to anyone and my neighbors are old people who don't use computers.

 

[AFB]

Yes

 

[JackMDS]

Do I need Encryption?

Step 1: Evaluate what you might lose if someone did manage to log to your Wireless Connection (most Home users mainly lose their pride).

Step 2: Use the other security measures***

Step 3: Check frequently the IPs given by the System to see if there is an additional unrecognized IP.

Step 4: Put the Wireless Router (AP) in away that you can see the Activity LED, so you can see if it blinks while you are not using the Wireless.

To my estimate more than 95% of Wireless Home user would be OK using the above measure with No encryption.

However unless you have old Hardware that do not function correctly with encryption it does not make sense not to use it.

***Note: Wireless Security for the Home User.

:sun:

 

[nanaki333]

i would just assign wireless access by the MAC address of the wireless NICs that will be using it. that way nobody can easily just hop right on. you should setup a key too, the more secure the better.

 

[SpunkyJones]

Originally posted by: Medellon
Okay but I'm not really close to anyone and my neighbors are old people who don't use computers.

One word: wardriving

 

[Medellon]

Wardriving?

 

[stash]

My question is, what do you gain by NOT enabling it? You realize that you could most likely have enabled it by now, and been done with it

 

[Cheetah8799]

Originally posted by: Medellon
Do I really need to enable wireless encryption and security features when I only have a small home network where I'm basically the only user?

YES!!! Unless you want to share your internet connection with your neighborhood kids who will be downloading all kinds of illegal stuff. ANd guess what happens with the RIAA and MPAA comes after you since you are the owner of the internet service! They sue you!

And don't forget about the kiddie porn freaks driving down your street getting internet access from your open network adn downloading kiddie porn through it...


^ worst case scenarios ^

 

[SpunkyJones]

War Driving (wôr dri'vin) v.
1 Driving around looking for wireless networks.

 

[sharq]

(To self: *refrain from smart ass comments*)
Yes, you NEED to enable WEP. Why, you ask? So that no one can see what you're doing on your connection, so that no one can use your internet connection, so that no one can compromise your computer(s), so that no one can exploit your name for illegal activity (warez, porn, etc). What is so hard about enabling wireless encryption?
I live in a house that has 10feet of distance (atleast) between each house, my router is in the center of the house and there is no way my neighbors can access my wireless. But, here is the thing, I don't know who my neighbors are, I don't know what they do. So I have every security feature enabled, doesn't matter if they pretend to know nothing about computers or not.

 

[Swimmer12]

Here is my view on this all.... WEP YES!!!! I have just started a project to drive my community to see how many people are unprotected and not getting all they can out of their network due to interference... So far I have about 400 APs and about 300 are unprotected.... Now I do not connect to the AP cause that is illegal and i disable all of the TCP/IP setting and all the other stuff under network properties... However, if you have some one who really wants in to your network, even with WEP on they are still going to get in... All you have to do is roll up to a wireless network launch a sniffing program that monitors the signal and looks for the encription keys while you transfer data... WEP is seriously flawed.. Hince why WPA, Wi-FI protected Access is now out to fix WEP... Wi-Fi.org presentation explaining the difference Now there are SoHo products that have both WEP and WPA... Like the Linksys WAP54G.. It has both standards and is fairly secure as you can get with out spending $1000s for a red box firewall/intrusion detection. I have seen some companies release firmware updates that upgrade you to the WPA status...

So the lesson is that WEP = time till access is granted
WPA= the most advanced security on wireless networks without spending tons of money.

Either way I would enable one of the two just to have peace of mind... It is just to tempting for some people... Yes the network might take a speed hit but then again you are going to be streaming video or moving massive files on a wireless network to begin with... That is what Ethernet is for... Hope this helps some of you

 

[howdyduty]

Recommend you enable all the security functions that are available. Good Luck.