Tuesday, January 23, 2007
Wireless Taping
Wireless Taping -theraider As computing technology continues to shift from wired to wireless, wireless ( local-area networks) have boomed in popularity in recent years. But this explosion has sparked a significant increase in wireless snooping and hacking, leading experts to warn consumers of the wireless security pitfalls. Wireless LANS are by far one of the more popular examples of computing convenience. Cahners in-Stat Group estimates the wireless LAN market will grow more than 200% in the next 2 years, from $1.2 billion in 2000 to $4 billion by 2003. But this recent popularity has drawn significant attention in other areas, particularly security. Despite the recent press barrage detailing the ease with which wireless networks can be hacked, these networks remain astonishingly vulnerable. Wireless networks paint a tantalizing picture for crackers, snoops, and even the mildly curious because these individuals can easily equip themselves with a few readily available items, hop in a car, and drive around detecting wireless access points. In fact, this activity has become a favorite pastime of the technology media itself as it continues to prove the frailty of wireless security. CRACKERS : CHOOSE YOUR WEAPON Just as in the wired world, a variety of attacks are used to infiltrate wireless networks. Although some are used alone, others ca be used in tandem to access sensitive data. The following are several examples of popular attacks used against 802.11B based networks. INSERTION ATTACKS: Insertion attacs occur when crackers deploy unauthorized devices in an effort to be recognized by an existing network. For instance, a craker could set up shop outside an access point, armed with a notebook computer or PDA and Wireless Network cards. Because of the required devices' portability, it's simple enough to accomplish these attacks while parked in a car outside a business or home. The access point may or may not be configured for password authentication. If it isnt, the crackers's job is much easier, as it's only necessary to enable communication between the wireless client and the access point. JAMMING As a form of DOS ( denial of service) attacks, DDOS ( distributed denial of service ) rose to popularity in 2000 when websites, such as Yahoo, Amazon, and CNN were crippled by the attacks overwhelming traffic. Crackers also use DOS attacks to flood wireless frequencies to the point where legitimate traffic cant get through. Wireless jamming isnt a new kid on the block. In fact, cell phone jamming equipment can transmit radio signals that block cell phones nearby from accessing and decoding local signals from cellular networks. BRUTE FORCING because most access points share one key or password wiall connecting wireless clients, that key or password is often subjected to brute force attacks. The Brute Force method involves the use of software-based password crackers that try every possible password combination until they succesfully find the correct one. Although this process can be time consuming, it's still effective across wireless and wired networks. Those mentioned are simply a few. If you are interested in learning more on Wireless Hacking/ Taping feel free to email me at anonraider@hotmail.com for further reading. THERAIDER
Saturday, January 13, 2007
Yes, You Need Encryption!
Question: Using encryption on my Wi-Fi router really slows things down. If I restrict Wi-Fi access by MAC address, so that only my portable can connect to it, can I then turn off encryption?
Answer: No. While limiting access to your Wi-Fi net by MAC address is a good idea (every computing device has a unique MAC address, usually printed on a label on the bottom along with the serial number), there are two big problems with relying on this security met
Answer: No. While limiting access to your Wi-Fi net by MAC address is a good idea (every computing device has a unique MAC address, usually printed on a label on the bottom along with the serial number), there are two big problems with relying on this security met
Secure Your Home Network
Question: Do I need to be concerned about Wi-Fi security in my home network? I have a firewall.
Answer: Yes, absolutely! While you should always use both a personal software firewall, and a hardware-based router firewall on your home network, these don't substitute for Wi-Fi security measures. You also need Wi-Fi protection because data being sent over the airwaves is there for anyone nearby to capture, regardless of whether you are using a firewall. A firewall only protects you against attacks coming over the Internet into your local network.
While home Wi-Fi networks can free you to work (or play!) anywhere in the house, too many users just plug them in, neglecting to turn on security features or set passwords. Yes, this is a chore, but the latest routers make the process relatively simple, and the alternative is allowing freeloaders on your network (at best), or malicious hackers bent on stealing your data (at worst).
Here are three simple things you can do to lock up your Wi-Fi net:
First, change the default router password provided by the manufacturer. That will ensure no one else can go back in and change the security settings you make next. Second, turn off the broadcasting of your SSID, and change the SSID to something non-obvious (i.e. NOT "Wireless" or "Netgear"). Finally, turn on WPA/WPA2 encryption if you have it, WEP if you don't. This will require entering a password on each of your client devices as well, but once stored, you won't have to enter it again.
One more step you can take if you want to tighten things up even further is to limit wireless access to devices with specific MAC addresses. Not all routers have this feature, but most do. For even more tips, see our Complete Guide to Wi-Fi Security.
Answer: Yes, absolutely! While you should always use both a personal software firewall, and a hardware-based router firewall on your home network, these don't substitute for Wi-Fi security measures. You also need Wi-Fi protection because data being sent over the airwaves is there for anyone nearby to capture, regardless of whether you are using a firewall. A firewall only protects you against attacks coming over the Internet into your local network.
While home Wi-Fi networks can free you to work (or play!) anywhere in the house, too many users just plug them in, neglecting to turn on security features or set passwords. Yes, this is a chore, but the latest routers make the process relatively simple, and the alternative is allowing freeloaders on your network (at best), or malicious hackers bent on stealing your data (at worst).
Here are three simple things you can do to lock up your Wi-Fi net:
First, change the default router password provided by the manufacturer. That will ensure no one else can go back in and change the security settings you make next. Second, turn off the broadcasting of your SSID, and change the SSID to something non-obvious (i.e. NOT "Wireless" or "Netgear"). Finally, turn on WPA/WPA2 encryption if you have it, WEP if you don't. This will require entering a password on each of your client devices as well, but once stored, you won't have to enter it again.
One more step you can take if you want to tighten things up even further is to limit wireless access to devices with specific MAC addresses. Not all routers have this feature, but most do. For even more tips, see our Complete Guide to Wi-Fi Security.
Cellular Data Cards
Question: I can't always stop at a hotspot when I need to get online. I've been thinking about getting a cell data card for my laptop. Which should I choose?
Answer: If you just have to get connected NOW, then cell data is definitely the way to go. You can either get a dedicated card for your laptop, or use your data-capable Bluetooth phone as a modem for occasional connections. The main caveat is that cell data plans are quite expensive, typically $80 per month (less if you also have a voice plan).
That said, the top broadband cell data choices right now are EV-DO from Verizon or Sprint, or HSDPA from Cingular. For more on cell data plans and equipment, see our complete cell data guide.
Answer: If you just have to get connected NOW, then cell data is definitely the way to go. You can either get a dedicated card for your laptop, or use your data-capable Bluetooth phone as a modem for occasional connections. The main caveat is that cell data plans are quite expensive, typically $80 per month (less if you also have a voice plan).
That said, the top broadband cell data choices right now are EV-DO from Verizon or Sprint, or HSDPA from Cingular. For more on cell data plans and equipment, see our complete cell data guide.
Wi-Fi Travel Routers
Question: Most hotels with broadband access in the room supply Ethernet connections. I'd rather have Wi-Fi so I don't have to sit at the desk. Can I bring my own Wi-Fi router?
Answer: Most definitely! While you can bring along pretty much any standard Wi-Fi router, specialized "travel routers" are also available. These are basically pocket-size versions of regular network routers that let you unwire almost any wired Ethernet jack, such as those in hotels and conference rooms. You can use them to share your connection with colleagues or to simply surf from the comfort of your hotel bed.
Two of our favorite travel routers are Apple's AirPort Express, and Linksys' Travel Router. The palm-sized AirPort Express doubles as a full-fledged Wi-Fi router, with USB printer sharing and wireless iTunes music streaming to a stereo system. Despite the Apple name, the AirPort Express comes with full Windows configuration tools and support as well as Mac, making it great for Windows iPod users as well.
The Linksys Travel Router is another amazing product, the first consumer router of ANY kind that can simultaneously connect to a hotspot and act as an access point for other computers. This ability also makes it a great universal range extender for home Wi-Fi networks suffering from dead spots. Of course it also works with wired broadband connections as well. And it fits in the palm of your hand, with no power adapter to lose. It plugs right into the wall.
But what if you've only got a phone line in your hotel room? The Always On Wireless WiFlyer can unwire both broadband and dial-up connections, for true travel versatility. You can set up a Wi-Fi net anywhere, whether your hotel has broadband or not, for up to 14 users. The WiFlyer also has thousands of US telephone access numbers from major providers built-in, so you don't have to go searching for a number every time you arrive at a new place.
It's also worth noting that the Linksys and WiFlyer both have an extra Ethernet port, supporting a wired client or other device, such as a VoIP adapter. So you can take advantage of free or low-cost Internet-based phone calls too, for the price of a local call, and avoid high hotel long-distance charges
Answer: Most definitely! While you can bring along pretty much any standard Wi-Fi router, specialized "travel routers" are also available. These are basically pocket-size versions of regular network routers that let you unwire almost any wired Ethernet jack, such as those in hotels and conference rooms. You can use them to share your connection with colleagues or to simply surf from the comfort of your hotel bed.
Two of our favorite travel routers are Apple's AirPort Express, and Linksys' Travel Router. The palm-sized AirPort Express doubles as a full-fledged Wi-Fi router, with USB printer sharing and wireless iTunes music streaming to a stereo system. Despite the Apple name, the AirPort Express comes with full Windows configuration tools and support as well as Mac, making it great for Windows iPod users as well.
The Linksys Travel Router is another amazing product, the first consumer router of ANY kind that can simultaneously connect to a hotspot and act as an access point for other computers. This ability also makes it a great universal range extender for home Wi-Fi networks suffering from dead spots. Of course it also works with wired broadband connections as well. And it fits in the palm of your hand, with no power adapter to lose. It plugs right into the wall.
But what if you've only got a phone line in your hotel room? The Always On Wireless WiFlyer can unwire both broadband and dial-up connections, for true travel versatility. You can set up a Wi-Fi net anywhere, whether your hotel has broadband or not, for up to 14 users. The WiFlyer also has thousands of US telephone access numbers from major providers built-in, so you don't have to go searching for a number every time you arrive at a new place.
It's also worth noting that the Linksys and WiFlyer both have an extra Ethernet port, supporting a wired client or other device, such as a VoIP adapter. So you can take advantage of free or low-cost Internet-based phone calls too, for the price of a local call, and avoid high hotel long-distance charges
Long-Range Wi-Fi Cards
Question: The Wi-Fi reception in my laptop simply isn't good enough to bring in many hotspot signals unless I move very close to the access point. What can I do?
Answer: Many notebooks have rather wimpy Wi-Fi reception, although some newer models with wrap-around antennas pull in very strong signals. If yours is in the first category, the best advice is to add a long-range Wi-FI card.
A card with a high-power or directional antenna can make the connection to the router stronger and faster. Two good ones are the Hawking Hi-Gain Wireless-G Laptop Card and the Netgear RangeMax Wireless PC Card WPN511.
The Hawking card is an plain 802.11g solution, while the Netgear RangeMax card is a "super-G" version that can operate at up to 108Mbps with a matching router. It will extend range even when used with a regular 802.11g router. You will also see so-called "MIMO" or "draft-N" cards on the market. We don't recommend these unless you have a matching router at home, since they are twice as expensive and won't do any better than the Hawking or RangeMax cards at a hotspot.
Answer: Many notebooks have rather wimpy Wi-Fi reception, although some newer models with wrap-around antennas pull in very strong signals. If yours is in the first category, the best advice is to add a long-range Wi-FI card.
A card with a high-power or directional antenna can make the connection to the router stronger and faster. Two good ones are the Hawking Hi-Gain Wireless-G Laptop Card and the Netgear RangeMax Wireless PC Card WPN511.
The Hawking card is an plain 802.11g solution, while the Netgear RangeMax card is a "super-G" version that can operate at up to 108Mbps with a matching router. It will extend range even when used with a regular 802.11g router. You will also see so-called "MIMO" or "draft-N" cards on the market. We don't recommend these unless you have a matching router at home, since they are twice as expensive and won't do any better than the Hawking or RangeMax cards at a hotspot.
How to Get Connected at a Wi-Fi Hotspot
Question: I'm new to Wi-Fi. I can use my laptop at home with no problems, but when I go to a free Wi-Fi location, I can't get onto the Internet. My PC tells me that I have a good connection, but when I try to access the Internet, I get "Page Not Found" and can't log into my work email. What am I doing wrong?
Answer: It's not what you're doing wrong, but what you're NOT doing that is the problem. There is one key difference between home and office Wi-Fi, and public hotspots. With home and office Wi-Fi, usually all you need to do is select the right access point from the list of SSIDs, and you'll be connected. Public hotspots are different. Even if your Wi-Fi card shows that you are attached to a hotspot's access point, you may not yet be connected to the Internet. The key secret to remember about getting connected at a public hotspot, whether free or paid, is that you need to open a NEW browser window first, before using email, IM chat, or other Internet functions. This browser window will usually pop up a screen for you to log in, or at least click "Okay" to whatever terms and conditions the hotspot imposes.
This system allows paid hotspots to collect login or credit card information, and free hotspots to put up information screens and responsibility disclaimers. It's just one extra step, and should only take a few seconds at a free hotspot. Some free hotspots ask that you create an account with a password. When you return the next time, logging in will be quick and painless.
What if you've opened a new browser window and still don't see a login screen? Make sure your browser home page is not blank (or it won't trigger the needed port opening), and that you have updated your system with the latest Service Packs (SP2 handles Wi-Fi much better than SP1). You may also need to simply get closer to the access point (your signal may be too weak to connect).
Answer: It's not what you're doing wrong, but what you're NOT doing that is the problem. There is one key difference between home and office Wi-Fi, and public hotspots. With home and office Wi-Fi, usually all you need to do is select the right access point from the list of SSIDs, and you'll be connected. Public hotspots are different. Even if your Wi-Fi card shows that you are attached to a hotspot's access point, you may not yet be connected to the Internet. The key secret to remember about getting connected at a public hotspot, whether free or paid, is that you need to open a NEW browser window first, before using email, IM chat, or other Internet functions. This browser window will usually pop up a screen for you to log in, or at least click "Okay" to whatever terms and conditions the hotspot imposes.
This system allows paid hotspots to collect login or credit card information, and free hotspots to put up information screens and responsibility disclaimers. It's just one extra step, and should only take a few seconds at a free hotspot. Some free hotspots ask that you create an account with a password. When you return the next time, logging in will be quick and painless.
What if you've opened a new browser window and still don't see a login screen? Make sure your browser home page is not blank (or it won't trigger the needed port opening), and that you have updated your system with the latest Service Packs (SP2 handles Wi-Fi much better than SP1). You may also need to simply get closer to the access point (your signal may be too weak to connect).
Finding Hotspot on the road
Wireless technology is improving every day and consumers are facing an increasing array of options and services.
Want a better Wi-Fi experience on the road? The two keys are a long-range Wi-Fi card and a Wi-Fi travel router. With a long-range card, you can connect to even the weakest hotspot signals, and maximize throughput. With a travel router, you can unwire your hotel room, or even set up a temporary Wi-Fi net at your parents' house during the holidays. Read on for our top five tips for the wireless traveler.
1. Finding Hotspots on the Road
Question: How can I find a hotspot when I can't get online to search for one?
Answer: While JiWire's online hotspot locator is the most powerful way to search for worldwide hotspots, there are several ways to take it with you, as well. The Portable Hotspot Locator comes in PC, Mac and AvantGo versions. You can also search for hotspots on your browser-enabled cell phone, at wap.jiwire.com.
Whichever way you go, you can filter the Hotspot Locator for free sites, as well as for a number of other useful parameters, such as service provider and location type (airport, hotel, cafe, etc.). JiWire's provider comparison page shows rates for all major Wi-Fi service providers.
Finally, frequent flyers won't want to miss our airport Wi-Fi guide, which includes a complete listing of major US and Canadian terminals with Wi-Fi.
Want a better Wi-Fi experience on the road? The two keys are a long-range Wi-Fi card and a Wi-Fi travel router. With a long-range card, you can connect to even the weakest hotspot signals, and maximize throughput. With a travel router, you can unwire your hotel room, or even set up a temporary Wi-Fi net at your parents' house during the holidays. Read on for our top five tips for the wireless traveler.
1. Finding Hotspots on the Road
Question: How can I find a hotspot when I can't get online to search for one?
Answer: While JiWire's online hotspot locator is the most powerful way to search for worldwide hotspots, there are several ways to take it with you, as well. The Portable Hotspot Locator comes in PC, Mac and AvantGo versions. You can also search for hotspots on your browser-enabled cell phone, at wap.jiwire.com.
Whichever way you go, you can filter the Hotspot Locator for free sites, as well as for a number of other useful parameters, such as service provider and location type (airport, hotel, cafe, etc.). JiWire's provider comparison page shows rates for all major Wi-Fi service providers.
Finally, frequent flyers won't want to miss our airport Wi-Fi guide, which includes a complete listing of major US and Canadian terminals with Wi-Fi.
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