Wireless Internet: Security for new connection

by abanerji - 9/10/09 8:10 AM

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Security for new connection

by abanerji - 9/10/09 8:10 AM

I have been using a regular wired DSL broadband modem in my Compaq laptop. Planning to buy a new USB wireless modem. Am a bit confused about the security issues which may have to be addressed now.

My current OS/security setup is as below :-

a) Win-XP SP2 (completely patched, vetted by Secunia)
b) AVG AV/AS free 8.5
c) ZA firewall free 7.0.483
d) Sundry utilities/protection software : Ccleaner, Spywareblaster
e) Safe browsing habit

I have been reading about WEP and WPA, but have not understood fully whether these would be applicable for my new USB wireless modem. I don't ever intend to use any wifi / hotspot.

What more do I need to do please?
Thanks,

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Post 2 of 6

In our Networking Forum

by R. Proffitt

- 9/10/09 9:50 AM In reply to: Security for new connection by abanerji

We disclose that WEP is hacked in seconds. WPA has yet to have a crack that didn't require an armada of talent so for today you can get by with WPA.
Bob

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Post 3 of 6

WPA

by abanerji - 9/10/09 10:10 AM In reply to: In our Networking Forum by R. Proffitt

Thank you. Please forgive my ignorance about these technologies.

Could you please tell me how to activate WPA. Do I need to buy these separately?
Also, I read somewhere that SSID broadcast should be disabled. How does one do that too?

Since I will be travelling, I need the wireless modem, and can't use a router.
But, like I mentioned in my OP, I am not going to use any wifi / hotspot.

Thanks again,

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Post 4 of 6

Sorry.

by R. Proffitt

- 9/10/09 10:17 AM In reply to: WPA by abanerji

But this is all volunteer. To use WPA, we read our router's manual. As to hiding SSID that's covered in our forum sticky which since this is all volunteer it would be too much to duplicate the same answer for each member. I apologize if you take this wrong but I ask you to use our forum sticky in this matter. The forum sticky covers what happens when you hide the SSID but you are more that welcome to test that yourself.

As to the wireless modem, they supply it, you pay for it. Get your support from them. If they fail you, get your money back.
Bob

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