[Rhodes22-list] WiFi security

[Robert Skinner]

Well done, John.
/Robert

John Lock wrote:
> 
> At 10:01 AM 12/8/2007 -0500, Robert Skinner wrote:
> >Herb is dead on.  Everything he says is correct.  Lock up your WiFi.
> >
> >Two more issues:
> 
> A third issue - it's not readily enforced, but most ISP's have
> language in their Terms of Service (which you agreed to when you
> signed up) that prohibits sharing your access with
> third-parties.  Doesn't matter if you're aware of it or not, it's
> grounds for termination of your account.  Realistically, it would be
> hard for the ISP to prove unless they parked outside your house and
> confirmed your open router.  Excessive bandwidth usage is usually
> their first clue.
> 
> Here's a brief summary of items that can further secure your wireless network -
> 
> 1) Turn off broadcasting of your SSID.
> 
> 2) Always use at least 128-bit WEP security.  Your router may have
> additional, more secure methods available, but your computer(s) need
> to support them as well.  Use em if you got em.  It's a one time
> setup and requires no further effort once completed.
> 
> 3) If your router supports more than one wireless mode ("A", "B",
> "G", etc.) turn off the ones you're not using.  Most newer computers
> are using Wireless G, so that may be all you need.
> 
> 4) Make sure your router is set to "Block WAN access".  This means
> that unsolicited attempts to connect to your router from the Internet
> are ignored.  If your router offers it, block "Ping" requests as well.
> 
> 5) If your router supports Remote Administration, turn it off.  It's
> unlikely that you'll be fiddling with your router from outside your network.
> 
> 6) If you *really* want to tighten up your net, change your SSID and
> WEP keys periodically.  That means changing them in the router and
> every computer that uses it.
> 
> There's a good online service for testing your vulnerability to
> intruders from outside your network.  Go to
> https://www.grc.com/x/ne.dll?bh0bkyd2  and click thru all the
> tests.  This service will simulate various hack attempts on your
> router and report open ports or protocols.  There is also lots of
> information on how to close up those openings when detected.
> 
> Cheers!
> 
> John Lock
> ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
> s/v Pandion - '79 Rhodes 22
> Lake Sinclair, GA
> ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
> 
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-- 
Robert Skinner  "Squirrel Haven" 
Gorham, Maine         04038-1331
s/v "Little Dipper" & "Edith P."