Question:
Is WEP Secure?
Answer:
No. WEP at one time was considered extremely, however, now, a skilled hacker can break the WEP passcode in about 40 seconds.
Other common secure formats that exist on most routers now are:
- WPA-PSK [TKIP]
- WPA2-PSK [AES]
- WPA-PSK [TKIP] + WPA2-PSK [AES]
- Another method of security that can be used along with any of the above formats is called Mac Address allowing. A Mac Address is kind of like a fingerprint for your network card, it can be spoofed, however, its usually difficult to do so. Look in your router manual, as Mac Address filtering can be under many different names. Netgear calls it a "Access List"
If your current router doesnt support any of the above formats, ask yourself these questions:
- Do I keep important data on my computer and its network shares?
- Does every computer in my home have Firewall installed?
- Do I live in a populated area where my connection will be easily found? (!! Even if you live in a small town, never assume that no one around you knows anything about computers and/or hacking networks) (!! Even if you live miles away from other houses, its still a good idea to have good security. Got to keep those Department of Ecology Superfreaks out of your network, you know!)
Tips for setting up a good secure network:
- Obvious: Make the passcode hard to guess. Never use things such as, 123456789, your name, birthdate, address, street name, anything related to you your location or things you own or manage
- Make it at least eight characters long, and its usually a good idea to include numbers maybe even a few other misc. characters
- Change it every so often! Most security obsessed people will tell you to change your passwords every three months... I think that every 6 months is a better number, however, I still only see a necessary one year change.
- Ex-Girlfriend/Ex-Boyfriend/Other-crazy-person(maybe an ex?) who might want revenge left your house? Ought to change everything then too...
Misc. Information:
- Many people look into wide range WiFi devices. Keep in mind, you dont want your WiFi router to cover the neighborhood. If your device allows you to adjust the broadcast power without affecting the speed, reduce it to the point where it only covers your house
- Never keep an Ethernet cable outside in an area where an insane stranger can get to it. Security seldom applies (except for your router configuration password) to wired connections
Special Thanks:
BC_Programmer Reminded me of another great way to secure a network, the Mac Address Filter.
Please feel free to ask questions, question, comment, or give concern. Eventually, this topic will be locked once its perfected.
