Toggle sidebar Toggle sidebar
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

Wireless security question?

S

SJK123

macrumors member
Original poster
Is there a way to tell if someone else is able to connect (or is connected to) with my wireless network?

I want to make sure it is secure. I have it set up with one of the WEP? (I forgot which one) security passwords but when I boot up my iMac I don’t need to enter a password to access it. When I switch to one of my neighbors wireless networks, some need a password and some don’t. When I switch back to my wireless network I do need to enter the password.
 
You password is undoubtedly saved in your Keychain, which is why you don't need to enter it. But, if you go to System Preferences...->Network->Airport->Airport tab and unlock the panel, you'll see your network and its security level. If you select it and hit 'Edit', you should see a password field there. If you're sure you know it, change it and verify that you can't connect, then change it back.
 
You could just kill all the security, and filter who can connect by using MAC addressing. That will keep all computers off except for the ones you allow.
 
thejadedmonkey said:
You could just kill all the security, and filter who can connect by using MAC addressing. That will keep all computers off except for the ones you allow.
Click to expand...
Not a good idea, since spoofing a MAC address is very easy.
 
mad jew said:
What brand wireless router do you have? 🙂
Click to expand...

It is Netgear router and it is working flawlessly.

jsw. That is what I am thinking, I just want to see if there is a way to verify.
 
Mitthrawnuruodo said:
That is included in every packet sent over the wireless connection...
Click to expand...
But don't you need the mac address to be able to connect in the first place to sniff it out?

I'm just trying to learn here...
 
thejadedmonkey said:
But don't you need the mac address to be able to connect in the first place to sniff it out?

I'm just trying to learn here...
Click to expand...
No, because it's broadcast from the laptop to any device that can listen - not just the target router. If you listen for packets, you can sniff out the MAC addresses.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.
Top Bottom
Back