Re: New wireless security question

MZB wrote:
I've been advised that it is a good idea to disable SSID broadcast (I have a desktop in the basement and a new wireless laptop upstairs. Linksys Broadband router connected in basement). I've also read that this is a good idea. Yet Linksys doesn't seem to particularly agree.

See transcript of my chat with them below, and please comment:


Hi, my name is Aileen (10918). How may I help you?
Melvin: Hi. I'm a novice. I recently installed your product to my desktop so that I can access wireless via my new notebook. OK so far?
Aileen (10918): How can I help you?
Melvin: It's working fine, but I've been given some advice regarding additional security.

do you recommend that I shut off SSID Broadcast and if so how do I do this and would it hurt performance?
Aileen (10918): If you're going to set a security there's no need to disable the ssid broadcast since it is already secured.
Melvin: Not sure I understand. I did change my set-up name and I've filtered the MAC address of my notebook
Aileen (10918): Ok.
Melvin: I've read documents that advises disabling SSID broadcast. You say not needed?
Aileen (10918): Not needed of you have a wireless security.
Melvin: What is a wireless security???
Melvin: Do you mean the 10-digit code I used to start the session the first time?
Aileen (10918): Wireless security is the password for wireless connection but since you enable the wireless mac address on the computer,
Melvin: can you finish the sentence
Aileen (10918): Sorry.
Melvin: Are you there?
Aileen (10918): Yes.
Melvin: Can you finish the sentence above. I'm not sure what you are saying'
Aileen (10918): It only means that the wireless connection is already secured.
Aileen (10918): Because of the wireless mac filtering you enable on the router.
Melvin: OK, so I can forget about disabling SSID broadcast
Aileen (10918): Yes.
Aileen (10918): For as long as you have wireless security even if your neighbor can see it and try to connect to it, they cannot connect to it because it is secured.
Melvin: Yes, but how is it secured-- is it that 10-digit password I started with?
Melvin: And I assume the MAC filtering
Aileen (10918): Yes. If WEP is enabled with 10 hexa keys or password.
Aileen (10918): And secured becuse only the mac address of your wireless computer can access your internet connection and all those mac address you entered under mac filtering.
Melvin: OK-- thank you
http://kb.linksys.com. Is there anything else I can help you with?
Aileen (10918): Thank you for giving us an opportunity to serve you through Live Chat Support. For your records, a transcript of this chat session will be e-mailed to you. Feel free to contact us if you require further assistance. Thank you for choosing Linksys and have a great day!
Melvin: disconnected
Aileen (10918): disconnected






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As far as wireless security goes, there are usually 3 things that most people do. Although none are required, the more of these that you use the better off you will be.

1.  set up some type of encryption.  Either WEP, WPA, WPA2, etc.
2.  set up mac address filtering
3.  disable your SSID broadcast.

As long as you have done #1 and #2, you are pretty darn secure. They would have to come up with your WEP, WPA or WPA2 key in order to get in....as well as spoof a MAC address that you allow.

Disabling the SSID only makes it more difficult to get in. This really is an optional thing.....and you are still secure without it. You just add an extra level by disabling the SSID.

So, whichever you choose will be fine. Personally, I have disabled my SSID as I don't see any reason to broadcast it. I changed it from default and I know what it is, so I am set.

.

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