Who doesn't understand the convenience of having a wireless network? Just look at how easy it is to connect new computers and other wireless devices. Just bought a new laptop? Turn it on, put in your network information
and your all done! You are now connected without having to worry about buying more wire or additional network cards.
Almost sounds too easy doesn't it? Well, if you are thinking about the security of your wireless networks, it is not easy at all. Why not? Because you are faced with keeping hackers out of your network as they drive by your house. Or what about your neighbor down the street who can "see" your network whenever he turns his computer on?
So, as you go into the various stores to buy your new wireless Cable/DSL wireless routers, the store employees will most likely tell you how secure it all is because of WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy). WEP is an algorithm that uses a secret key that you have to enter to protect your new wireless network.
The only problem is, it has been successfully attacked and compromised.
The major vendors of this equipment have come out with newer versions of their wireless products with enhanced WEP implementations, but what about all of the users who have not upgraded their equipment and are still running older versions of WEP?
You can and should modify the default configuration that comes with your wireless router. Each vendor may have different features associated with their router but the basics are the same. You should never just open the box, plug it in and decide you are all set. WEP is typically not enabled by default. You need to enable it.
Once you do, it will assign a network key based upon a secret phrase that you enter. The key can be as long as 19 characters in length which is a combination of letters and numbers. Then, the first time you turn on your new laptop with its built-in wireless hardware, you will have to enter in this key to your laptop in order to connect to your wireless network.
Almost sounds too easy doesn't it? Well, if you are thinking about the security of your wireless networks, it is not easy at all. Why not? Because you are faced with keeping hackers out of your network as they drive by your house. Or what about your neighbor down the street who can "see" your network whenever he turns his computer on?
So, as you go into the various stores to buy your new wireless Cable/DSL wireless routers, the store employees will most likely tell you how secure it all is because of WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy). WEP is an algorithm that uses a secret key that you have to enter to protect your new wireless network.
The only problem is, it has been successfully attacked and compromised.
The major vendors of this equipment have come out with newer versions of their wireless products with enhanced WEP implementations, but what about all of the users who have not upgraded their equipment and are still running older versions of WEP?
You can and should modify the default configuration that comes with your wireless router. Each vendor may have different features associated with their router but the basics are the same. You should never just open the box, plug it in and decide you are all set. WEP is typically not enabled by default. You need to enable it.
Once you do, it will assign a network key based upon a secret phrase that you enter. The key can be as long as 19 characters in length which is a combination of letters and numbers. Then, the first time you turn on your new laptop with its built-in wireless hardware, you will have to enter in this key to your laptop in order to connect to your wireless network.
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