I am using a Linksys Wireless Adapter. 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, and MAC address.
It is quite scary because we could see MAC address too? That means people can hack the system?
I have seen some SSID that doesn't use any encryption at all. Does it mean I am able to login to that wireless network without any security? 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?
Please advise. Thanks!!
[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: First, I want to apologize that no one seemed willing to talk about this to you yesterday when you first wrote me, asking about WEP encryption. I provided you with a few links to examine, they were easily found through Google with the search key 'WEP Encryption Tools'. I hope that helped you out some.Perhaps why it displays these places to you on site survey yet claims it is unable to reach them is because although encryption is a powerful tool to keep people out of your business (I use 64-bit encryption with my wireless card) there are a couple other lines of defense: One is to tell your router/adapter/whatever "do not broadcast my name" leaving intruders to guess at whatever name you call your wireless link and/or your computer, and two, telling your router/adapter "do not respond to anyone but myself (MAC address, etc). By using
64-bit encryption along with 'do not broadcast' and 'do not respond' you do make things more difficult, essentially if not totally, private. PAT]