Wireless Security??

[jimbo]

I have setup several home networks for my own use in the last few
years. I always have a wireless router in the network. I have used WEP
and WPA but in my current network I decided not to use WEP or WPA.

All I did was set up a password for router access and set up MAC
filtering for wireless access. So, no one can log on to my router and
cause trouble unless they crack my password and no one can gain access
to the LAN or to the Internet unless they can crack the MAC filter.
The only thing I think I am vulnerable to is someone who "reads" my
wireless transmissions, and gains personal information. So, since I
don't have national security information on any of my computers or
send any secret data transmissions by wireless between my computers, I
am adequately protected.

Any comments welcome, jimbo

 

[Ron Lowe]

The protection you have configured ( MAC address filtering )
is fairly minimal, as MAC addresses can be spoofed fairly easily.

It's one step better than nothing, however.

But if your hardware supports better security, why not use it?
What's the down-side?

 

[jimbo]

The protection you have configured ( MAC address filtering )
is fairly minimal, as MAC addresses can be spoofed fairly easily.

It's one step better than nothing, however.

But if your hardware supports better security, why not use it?
What's the down-side?

I guess the down-side to WEP and WPA is decreased performance and the
extra effort of setting WEP or WPA "keys" on each wireless PC in the
network.

MAC spoofing and other security "cracks" are not likely within the
skill levels of neighbors within range of my wirelsss router, and I
can't imagine a real pro with a laptop in a car cruising this
neighborhood looking for victims.

Of course, I could be wrong.

jimbo