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Pastimes : Computer Learning -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: IHateSourCream who wrote (46094)	4/26/2005 1:20:40 PM
From: shadowman	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 110652

Here's a site that explains some of the security vulnerabilities of wireless laptop use...in public locations etc. One thing you want to do when using a public wifi hotspot is turn off file sharing. cs.arizona.edu From what I've been able to find public hotspot wifi is not very secure, Security in Public Spaces Wireless networks in public areas and "HotSpots" like Internet cafes may not provide any security. Although some service providers do provide this with their custom software, many HotSpots leave all security turned off to make it easier to access and get on the network in the first place. If security is important to you the best way to achieve this when you are connecting back to your office is to use a VPN. If you do not have access to a VPN and security is important, you may want to limit your wireless network use in these areas to non-critical e-mail and basic Internet surfing. The good news is that many HotSpot providers and Wi-Fi manufacturers are implementing improved security technologies to protect Wi-Fi users against interception and eavesdropping in public HotSpots. wi-fi.org

To: IHateSourCream who wrote (46094)	4/26/2005 1:32:47 PM
From: shadowman	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 110652

Also...I posted this security software a few months back. It gets good reviews and is relatively easy to use and not expensive. otosoftware.com Here's a write up on it by Jim Coates..a respected tech writer.(I'd include the link but it appears to be dead) Published January 8, 2005 Wireless security a walk in the park Wi-Fi Defense $29.95, Oto Software Inc. Windows 98/ME/2000/XP www.otosoftware.com Although millions of Internet users can surf the Web on their patio by installing a wireless router, it's safe to estimate that most of them have been concerned--if not baffled--at the security issues these splendid devices bring. Wireless-router buyers often get little more than a start-up pamphlet and are told they must use their own Web browser to configure the wireless connections so that only authorized people may use it. This involves setting elaborate passwords to enable encryption, as well as needing to find and assign addresses to each computer. Wi-Fi Defense from Denver-based Oto Software provides a set of wizard screens that walk a user through a simple routine of identifying each computer allowed to access the wireless network and then automatically configures the router hardware to accept it. The software starts by scanning the entire network to spot all connected machines and displays a list of each. If a stalker happens to be on the network, his computer will appear along with the machines the buyer knows about. Setup amounts to selecting each machine and designating it as friend or foe. After that initial setup, the software acts somewhat like a firewall by allowing only approved users to log on. All those who try to access from outside are blocked. Not only are hack attempts blocked, but the software detects details about who the intruder is, where the attack came from, and which Internet access provider was involved. After the first setup, one can add new computers, such as visitors to the home or newly purchased machines. Another feature allows one to designate visitors as foes for future exclusion. The software comes with a temporary disabling button for when you visit a coffee shop or other hot spot.