Re: Wireless Disconnects

On Tue, 25 Nov 2008 12:16:22 -0800 (PST), seaweedsl
<seaweedsteve@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:

I want to comment that you guys have done nothing to convince me of
the value of your SSID obscurity = increased security argument.
<snip>

Here's what I think is really going on here; There are people who
just generally feel that hiding as much as possible helps protect them
from the dangers of the world. They are attracted to the idea and
live by it. I've got friends who are like that and I see that it's
not always tied to specific reasons, they just use this approach in
general. It suits them.

I think you're right, at least as far as my situation is concerned. I
commented earlier in this thread that I don't have a problem with
others putting personally identifiable information into their SSID but
that it's not something I would ever do myself. I'd like to extend
that comment and hopefully clarify it a bit by adding some other
things that I don't do. I think this all fits in with your 'behavior'
comments above.

In addition to ensuring I have a generic SSID, I don't have a brass
door knocker on my front door that announces my family name. My
neighborhood doesn't allow door to door salesmen, but still they come.
I don't want them addressing me, my wife, or my teen children by name.
I feel that would give them an (insincere) advantage.

I also don't have a big rock or other signage in my front yard that's
emblazoned with my family name, although two of my neighbors do. I
jokingly say that they must be very proud of who they are that they
have to advertise their family name like that.

As a final example, I shred almost all mail and other paperwork that
leaves my house, even the generic stuff. Part of the reason is simply
prior military training, and the rest is simply a result of the world
we live in today, where anything in your trash can is fair game as
soon as you wheel it to the curb.

Personally, I don't like to live that way and only use the security
I'm convinced is necessary. Two different approaches to life, that's
all.

I can respect that. Obviously, I'm in the other camp. :)

-Char-
.