On 30 Sep 2005 10:26:06 -0700, (e-mail address removed) wrote:
Crossposted to 4 different marginally related newsgroups again. Some
Linux, some Windoze. Must be a really important question.
I am using Linksys wireless adapter.
Gosh. I didn't know Linksys only made one model wireless adapter. Is
there some reason to not disclose the model or hardware version? What
are you trying to hide?
On site survey, I am able to see
the list of nearby wireless networks. For each wireless network, I am
able to see the SSID, wireless mode, Channel, Security mechanism, MAC
address.
It is quite scary because we could see MAC address too? That
means people can hack the system?
No. That means that when big brother finds you screwing around with
other peoples systems, or spamming, or wreaking havoc, they have a
fair idea of who's doing it by the MAC address. 802.11 wireless is
bridging, which is done exclusively with MAC addresses and has no
layer 3 IP address services or features involved. 802.11 would not
work without MAC addresses.
A MAC address is like your house address. Simply knowing the address
does not allow the random hacker to enter the house. There are
various layers of security in both the house and the wireless system.
You might want to read about them before going into paranoia mode.
I have seen some SSID that doesn't use any encryption at all.
Open access points. Some are fee wireless hot spots. Some are people
that intentionally want to share their broadband connection with any
passerby. Most are members of the GUM (great unwashed masses) who
deploy their wireless router in the default condition, with no
security at all.
Does it mean I am able to login to that wireless network
without any security?
In some states, unauthorized use of someone elses network is
considered a felony. You're at:
69.107.74.225
adsl-69-107-74-225.dsl.pltn13.pacbell.net
which is apparently near me in Santa Cruz CA. That's a PPPoE assigned
SBC DSL line with an ATM PVC to Pleasanton, CA. Drop into my office
sometime and I'll explain how it all works.
But I tried and it says couldn't find
the access point. I am confused because that wireless network
can be scanned on site survey, then how come it says couldn't
find the access point?
Easy. The site survey requires only one to two packets to generate an
entry. A connection requires quite a bit more back and forth
negotiation. If you had a weak signal to work with, you would see it
on the site survey tool, but connections would be dubious. There are
also a bunch of systems that allow unencrypted connections to the
access point, but which go nowhere until you successfully authenticate
with a VPN or SSL web client. There's one local idiot that allows
anyone to connect, and then probes the hell out of their machine with
all kinds of scripted exploits, worms, viruses, etc.
Advice: Ask the owner before you play with their system.
More advice: Don't crosspost.
Even more advice: If you have a question, kindly supply:
1. What problem are you trying to solve?
2. What do you have to work with (exactly)?
3. What have you done so far?
