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Wi-Fi Protection and Software Updates

B

bingefeller

macrumors 6502a
Original poster
Just curious as to what kind of wi-fi protection you guys use?

I use WEP, although I've read that it's the least secure. I choose it because it sounded pretty simple to set up.

Today I was checking for software updates and I noticed that there are two updates available for Airport Extreme. They are Airport Extreme Update 2007 - 002 and Airport Extreme Update 2007 - 003. The update for 2007 - 002 reads

This update is recommended for all Intel-based Macintosh computers and improves compatibility with AirPort Extreme base stations and networks.

This update includes the content from the AirPort Extreme Update 2007-001, and addresses a security issue as described in:
http://www.info.apple.com/kbnum/n305031

This update also improves compatibility for the MacBook Core 2 Duo and the MacBook Pro Core 2 Duo when using certain third-party access points configured to use WEP Open System security.
Click to expand...

I was curious as to whether I should install this? I'm worried incase it knocks my settings off and I can't get online. Any advice would appreciated!
 
bingefeller said:
Just curious as to what kind of wi-fi protection you guys use?

I use WEP, although I've read that it's the least secure. I choose it because it sounded pretty simple to set up.

Today I was checking for software updates and I noticed that there are two updates available for Airport Extreme. They are Airport Extreme Update 2007 - 002 and Airport Extreme Update 2007 - 003. The update for 2007 - 002 reads



I was curious as to whether I should install this? I'm worried incase it knocks my settings off and I can't get online. Any advice would appreciated!
Click to expand...
I assume you have an Intel Mac - I'd go ahead and install these. Just make sure to make a note of your settings somewhere before installing just in case you need to re-enter something.
 
wrldwzrd89 said:
I assume you have an Intel Mac - I'd go ahead and install these. Just make sure to make a note of your settings somewhere before installing just in case you need to re-enter something.
Click to expand...

Yup - I have an Intel Mac.

You think I should continue to use WEP? I mean, it's secure enough, right?
 
I don't know what router you have, but I recently set up a DLink router with WPA2 protection and it was very easy to do. Both my Mac Mini (using DLink USB dongle) and my Wii are connected to it and I haven't had any problems.
 
bingefeller said:
Yup - I have an Intel Mac.

You think I should continue to use WEP? I mean, it's secure enough, right?
Click to expand...

WEP, especially 40-bit WEP (commonly called 64-bit even though it's not), is not secure. It's like like locking your door with a sign saying "please don't steal my stuff". It keeps polite people out and that's about it.

As the Wikipedia puts it, "Despite its weaknesses, WEP provides a level of security that may deter casual snooping" (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wired_Equivalent_Privacy)
 
If you have the capability to use WPA2, I would recommend using it. It is significantly better than WEP.
 
WEP attacks have become fairly advanced. Some boast of cracking keys in under a minute or so.

It's not very secure.
 
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