Airport security

[markyc]

No, not that sort of airport:p
You know when something's probably so obvious there's no need to provide instructions? Like how to make a cup of tea (Arthur Dent style)?
How do I secure my iBook's wireless connection? If I perform a scan I can usually see three or four local networks, all protected except mine!

Ta

[loanrangie]

I'm not familiar with macs but you need to setup wap or wep security in your modem usually using your browser to login and set a pass key. Most likely different in a mac enviroment so that may have been no help at all !

[jik22]

What are you connecting to?

If you're using an Airport Express, there's a security option in the admin tool (Connect via cable when you change this!!) and you want to enable ideally WPA or WPA2 but at least 128bit WEP. Once you've done this, use the same settings in the Mac (Which I can't help with, sorry!) and you're secure.

[dmdigital]

Are you talking about connecting to the wireless network available in many airports or the one in QANTAS club lounges?

If so then its a public network and has minimal security. Hence the fact you can connect with out a password etc. Basically its an open network.

If you mean a private network, then it depends on what security settings it has.

You notebook's settings will have to conform with the network's settings.

[HangOver]

IMO if your router only does WEP buy a new router.
Security and WEP shouldn't be used in the same sentence.
Whoops I just done it :)

[markyc]

Aarrgh! Just thought I lost the ability to speak English after reading this lot... thanks for the replies fella's, I guess it's time to go back back to Switch 101 and start over:)
For the record, I'm talking about (home) modem to wireless router to iBook via Airport.

Ta!

[jik22]

IMO if your router only does WEP buy a new router.
Security and WEP shouldn't be used in the same sentence.
Whoops I just done it :)

True, it's not secure, but it's sometimes good enough for home users who just want to deter casual hijacking (As opposed to hacking). Really depends on the need.....

[dmdigital]

Aarrgh! Just thought I lost the ability to speak English after reading this lot... thanks for the replies fella's, I guess it's time to go back back to Switch 101 and start over:)
For the record, I'm talking about (home) modem to wireless router to iBook via Airport.

Ta!

Oh I get it:o its an Apple question :wallbash:

Same thing applies, don't broadcast your SSID, use WPA or WPA2 and don't use WEP, set a different password to the default and also change the wireless router's SSID name from the default. If you want to go further use MAC addesses and limit the IP address range.

[raceer]

No, not that sort of airport:p
You know when something's probably so obvious there's no need to provide instructions? Like how to make a cup of tea (Arthur Dent style)?
How do I secure my iBook's wireless connection? If I perform a scan I can usually see three or four local networks, all protected except mine!

Ta
being an ibook, assume tiger or panther ?

setup wpa from your wireless router...give it a secure passkey, an ssid (dont broadcast it), enable mac address filtering, add you mac address (more later)

from your ibook, go to system preferences, network, airport, (advanced if leopard), click on plus sign to add new network.
- give your ssid or network setup previously
- set security to wpa
- type in passkey
- click add and you are good to go.

Now you can just select the network from here

hth

[HangOver]

True, it's not secure, but it's sometimes good enough


hmmmm maybe but I suppose it depends on you perspective re security.
You could just close the door on your Landy and not lock it.
It may deter some people ;)

WEP crack time = 3 to 60 seconds

[HangOver]

What dm_td5 (http://www.aulro.com/afvb/members/dm_td5.html) said

[jik22]

hmmmm maybe but I suppose it depends on you perspective re security.
You could just close the door on your Landy and not lock it.
It may deter some people ;)

WEP crack time = 3 to 60 seconds

True....assuming someone sits around and captures the data to crack it, but my point was more whether you're trying to deter crackers or just "normal" people jumping onto free and open wireless.

Also depends on where you are - if you're the only house for miles in the hills, or at the end of a long drive, you don't have the problems or likely attach rate of someone in a city apartment running an AP.

Just saying that security risk is more than just the encryption technology, and what you and I likely insist on for our home networks may be overkill for others.

[HangOver]

agreed