Noob: Wlan Security(?) Question...does anyone know

[neils56]

Hello all,

My computer is part of a WLAN (mine having an acess point and my roomate's a cable modem) and my question is a)can my roomate see what sites I am surfing/files downloading from the internet (i.e. email passwords, video)? and b)if so is there anything I can do about it?

ANy helps, links or tips is greatly appreciated.

 

[Bladesonfire]

With the right programs, he can. Use WEP to encrypt what's sent.

 

[mboy]

Depends how it is set up. Do you guys share the connection, if he is connected direct to cable modem, then how is your access point connected. If he wanted to,and has physicall access to the modem, all he needs to do is plug a hub in right after the modem and before a router, connect a box to one of the hub ports(not a switch, but a hub), and use winpcap,(or libcap if he aint on windows) snort, ethereal or whatever he wants and sniff ALL of your data. Is he?Most likely not.
Need a lot more info on your setup tho.

 

[ScottMac]

The access point acts as a hub, your transmission to the AP, and the transmissions from the AP to your system are seen by every receiver (like a NIC or other APs) within range.

It's like cellular phone; someone motivated enough to see your traffic can see it. It's a radio .... just like the access point and all of the wireless devices that talk to it.

You decide if it's worth the risk and act accordingly.

FWIW

Scott

 

[JackMDS]

May be this can Help.

Link: Wireless Security for the Home User.

 

[neils56]

Thanx for everyone's reply. The configuration is as described in mboy's post, He is connected directly to the cable modem and I have a belkin wireless modem, SOme pics/info if that makes it clearer to anyone.
pic
info
So it is pretty safe to say he can only see what im surfing/downloading if he is moderately/highly computer savvy?

 

[JackMDS]

Security maintaince of Entry Level Wireless is pretty much the same regardless of the Brand you are using.