> > > >Nerd From Hell > > Hrmmmm...umble...umble. What about security issues > associated with wireless > networking? I would be concerned about opening my computer > as a wireless > net hub to my (or any) neighborhood without installing some > decent, hack and > crack-proof firewalls.
As you should me. There is built in security into the 802.11b protocols, including 128-bit encryption keys for access to the wireless access points. companies being hacked into with other WiFi devices have implemented poor security to allow it. This usually occurs when employees setup wireless on their own, without IT's graces. You are vunerable if you configure your network to allow anyone onto it. Configure it for your neighbors and you will be fine, unless you don't trust your neighbors. You can grant them access to the Internet, and still keep them from your computers with firewalls. In fact, wireless can give you greater security in that it give you a second layer of security. Pioneer Square here in Portland has a PUBLIC WiFi access point. You can bring your laptop/PDA to the Square, buy a hotdog and a Starbucks, and can browse the web for free. I am going to test this out later this Spring. Starbucks in installing wireless in their stores for customer use. I'll send mail to the list. If you use your home computer in this > fashion can > you protect it 100% from unwanted access? The reason I'm > asking is a report > on CNN the other day said that people are hacking into > wireless networks in > downtown Manhattan with Palm Pilot-type devices, and can do > the same to your > home comp if they sit within range using a laptop. Typical use of the media to scare people with the unfamiliar. What about everyone using 900Mhz wireless phones/baby monitors at home being evesdropped on? This has been happening for years, but its not scary enough, because everyone knows this. I suspect that in the near future, that these same companies that are being hacked will eventually provide free access to the Internet as a courtesy to those same people snooping around. There are many grassroots efforts to provide free wireless Internet access to all. http://www.personaltelco.net/index.cgi/FrontPage Nerd from Hell > > :-) > > Jon > [EMAIL PROTECTED] > > _________________________________________________________________ > Send and receive Hotmail on your mobile device: http://mobile.msn.com > >
