Computer network question

[lost]

Probably a stupid question, but I'm good at those. How important is it to have my network password protected if I also use MAC filtering? I mean, what are the odds of someone being able to access my home network if their MAC address isn't on the list? Just wasn't sure if this is an either/or, or need both kind of situation.

 

[Slim]

I can get through a network using mac filtering faster than than one using wpa. Software can bu used to change what the mac adress shows up as. If your network is not encrypted there are too many tools available to to capture some of your network traffic. I say use both and do not broadcast your ssid.

Edit and disclaimer: In no way am I admitting any illegal activity in hacking through a wireless network! What I do is on a professional level.

 

[Slim]

Oh, and please make sure you change the default username and password of the router. A lot of people don't and that just leads to a mess for you!

 

[TomTerrific]

I changed the password on my wireless network and things sped up pretty impressively.

I can't imagine my neighbors horning in.

 

[Slim]

You'd be suprised. I use a tool on my main desktop that monitors all my network traffic including attempts to access my wireless. Many times a day!

 

[lost]

When looking into this, I had read about software that allowed MAC address changes, but I wasn't sure how readily available that kind of thing was. Thanks guys, that answered my questions. Will make changes now.

 

[lost]

You'd be suprised. I use a tool on my main desktop that monitors all my network traffic including attempts to access my wireless. Many times a day!

Care to share what kind of tool you're talking about?

 

[lost]

Also, what are the differences in security modes (one better than the other?)? AS you can see, this is all Greek to me, but here are my choices:
WPA2/WPA mixed mode
WPA2 Personal
WPA personal
WPA2/WPA enterprise mixed mode
WPA2 enterprise
WPA enterprise
WEP
Radius

 

[Slim]

I use wpa2 personal. Whatever password you choose try not to use a common word with common spellings. Like bayou apell it as b@y0u. Throws off the dictionary attack. But again do not broadcast your ssid. You know what it is and that its there. Some people may be able to find it but in a residential setting probably a very small risk if any!

 

[davidd]

Use WPA/WPA2 mixed mode on the router, in case you have any older devices that use WPA, and set everything else to WPA2. DO NOT use WEP under any circumstances. Also, like Slim said, it is best to not broadcast your SSID - that lends another layer of protection to your network. Anything that says "enterprise" or "radius" generally requires more than your home network has to offer with regard to security settings.

You can search for and download BackTrack5 for tools to locate and crack wireless networks (it is a free Linux based OS plus tools you can boot from DVD or install to a hard drive). Explaining how to use it is beyond the scope of this forum, but it is a popular tool for network "support" and "maintenance."

 

[Slim]

Use WPA/WPA2 mixed mode on the router, in case you have any older devices that use WPA, and set everything else to WPA2. DO NOT use WEP under any circumstances. Also, like Slim said, it is best to not broadcast your SSID - that lends another layer of protection to your network. Anything that says "enterprise" or "radius" generally requires more than your home network has to offer with regard to security settings.

You can search for and download BackTrack5 for tools to locate and crack wireless networks (it is a free Linux based OS plus tools you can boot from DVD or install to a hard drive). Explaining how to use it is beyond the scope of this forum, but it is a popular tool for network "support" and "maintenance."

Although i don't recommend Backtrack 5 for your basic windows user it is a wonderful tool for people like me. I dual boot windows 7 and backtrack 5 on 3 of my machines. But again, I do this for a living! And yes, under no circumstances use wep. Wep can be hacked by an amateur in 10 minutes.

 

[lost]

OK, I think I have it set right. Now to see if I can get everything connected again. I really appreciate the help.

 

[themcfarland]

sound advice..

 

[Slim]

Anytime. If you were closer to me Id offer to come test out the security for you!

 

[lost]

LOL! Not sure I really want to see how easily something like that can be done. It would probably cause me to unplug everything.