Wireless security question?

[SJK123]

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.

 

[mad jew]

What brand wireless router do you have? 🙂

 

[jsw]

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.

 

[thejadedmonkey]

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.

 

[Mitthrawnuruodo]

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.

Not a good idea, since spoofing a MAC address is very easy.

 

[SJK123]

What brand wireless router do you have? 🙂

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.

 

[andym172]

http://10base-t.com/#ipscanner 🙂

Although, my copy (unregistered) does not appear to pick up my Windows pc when connected to my wireless network.

 

[thejadedmonkey]

Not a good idea, since spoofing a MAC address is very easy.

Yeah, but wouldn't that mean you need to know the MAC address to spoof?

 

[Mitthrawnuruodo]

Yeah, but wouldn't that mean you need to know the MAC address to spoof?

That is included in every packet sent over the wireless connection...

 

[ChrisBrightwell]

I want to make sure it is secure.

Then turn it off. 😉

 

[digger1914]

If your router supports it, use WPA encryption.

 

[thejadedmonkey]

That is included in every packet sent over the wireless connection...

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...

 

[jsw]

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...

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.