Computer Hope

Internet & Networking => Networking => Topic started by: DaveLembke on December 13, 2006, 03:54:44 PM

Title: Wireless Networking Security
Post by: DaveLembke on December 13, 2006, 03:54:44 PM

Hello All .... I have been using 128-Bit WEP with a single key for all 4 keys in the Linksys Access Points, and Bridges. Usually you can create a series of 4 keys from a pass phrase. When all 4 are created, I delete the other 3 and copy and paste the first key to the 3 empty slots, then I save the configurations.

I checked the other day for firmware updates and all the devices had the latest firmware version with release date codes of 2004 or 2005.

Does anyone know of how easy it would be to break into our network through these devices with 128-BIT WEP with a single key, and MAC Filtering???

I heard of WEP crackers that are available for the Linux OS and users with laptops with WiFi. Not sure of any for MS OS yet, but I am sure they are out there.

Hoping that the MAC filtering as a second line of defense is good enough or not, since WEP can be cracked....

Is it time to buy new hardware that uses WPA or a newer security measures since it looks like these Linksys devices that are wireless B and G may no longer be supported for security flaws etc, even if WPA capable?

Also ... Are there any tools out there to test or assess wireless security???

Title: Re: Wireless Networking Security
Post by: ale52 on December 13, 2006, 04:10:33 PM

Can you go to WPA?  

Alan <>< :D

Title: Re: Wireless Networking Security
Post by: 2k_dummy on December 13, 2006, 04:18:10 PM

Any security can be cracked if the cracker has the time and patience. There is no such thing as fool proof security (yet). A couple of things you can do to increase security is to turn off SSID broadcast and limit the number of IP's that the router will issue. My Linksys router allows me to limit the IP's to the exact number of machines, but some routers require that number +1. These measures are sufficient to discourage all but hard core crackers, and they would have to want in pretty badly to take the steps necessary to get into your network.

Title: Re: Wireless Networking Security
Post by: DaveLembke on December 14, 2006, 12:16:39 PM

Thanks ale52... I am going to see if the older Wireless B hardware supports WPA... I think the old Wireless B Linksys Bridges might only do WEP. I dont remember WPA being an option.

Thanks 2k_dummy... I believe our SSID's are being broadcasted and I will have to shut that feature off. I like the idea about limiting the number of leases by limiting the IP's, but I think that this might be a problem a for we have mobile users with laptops who come and go and the number is always fluctuating between say 10 and 20 devices connected at a time.

Thanks for your help!!!

Title: Re: Wireless Networking Security
Post by: patio on December 15, 2006, 06:02:49 PM

Then max out the addresses at say 25 or 30...still leaves room for variables.