Wireless Security

Why should we care about wireless security?
1. wireless data are broadcasted in the air. If you don't encrypt your data, anyone can view your data transmitted.
2. protect your computers from unauthorized access. Anyone who can access your wireless network can also access your computer.
3. prevent unauthorized access of your ISP. If a hacker used your internet to hack in other sites, spread virus or download copyright video or software, you would be held responsible for the crime.

What is wireless security?
Have you ever use two-way radio? When your friend and you tune in the same channel, you can talk with each other. However, anyone can hear your conversation when he tune in the same channel. This is similar to unsecured wireless network.

Newer two-way radio has a sub channel option. Only your friend with correct sub channel can talk with you. Other people can hear noise only. Sophisticated hacker can try all sub channel to figure out the sub channel you are on and tap in to your message. This is similar to secured wireless network with weaker encryption WEP. Hacker can break your WEP key within an hour.

Latest fix to wireless encryption is WPA. No known method to break WPA key within reasonable time. WPA key is dynamic changing in regular interval to provide extra difficulty for hacker.

Sidenote:
You should only use channel 1, 6 or 11. They are the only three non-overlap channels in United States. These should create least interference.