Wireless encryption

[Patrick]

Does anyone know of software that will test a wireless internet connection’s security encryption, and possibly add to the security? Don’t feel like using my laptop’s internet connection for sensitive connections without some sort of check.
I use Odyssey Client supplied by Fujitsu/Seimens the laptop maker. It indicates encryption is on but I would like it tested somehow.

Patrick

[Stephen]

Does anyone know of software that will test a wireless internet connection’s security encryption, and possibly add to the security? Don’t feel like using my laptop’s internet connection for sensitive connections without some sort of check.
I use Odyssey Client supplied by Fujitsu/Seimens the laptop maker. It indicates encryption is on but I would like it tested somehow.

Patrick

Patrick, I use Trusts PC-cillin (http://www.trendsecure.com/portal/en-GB/security_solutions/pc-cillin_trendsecure.php) internet security 2007. Sems to be the complete solution in AV, and protecting your PC and its network. There is also a junk email filter which integrates into IE6. Got a bargain deal on 2 years subscription too

[Ian]

I think Patrick is more referring to the link level encryption of his wireless data. In which case, there are two encryption options, WEP and WPA. WEP is simple, but effective enough to deter all but the most determined snoopers. WPA is more sophisticated as the encryption key changes automatically. These options are built into the software supplied with the wireless adapters rather than as part of a PC security suite.

I've not heard of anyone wishing to test their wireless security before - Patrick, is there something that you are suspicious of?

Ian

[Ian]

I found this - could be helpful:

http://www.jiwire.com/wifi-security-test.htm

Ian

[Patrick]

I found this - could be helpful:

http://www.jiwire.com/wifi-security-test.htm

Ian

Thanks for your input Stephen but Ian is correct it’s just my WiFi I worry about and thank you Ian for the link I have downloaded the software and will let you know how I get on.
My regular security is the one supplied by Blueyonder and appears to be very effective. With the package I subscribe too comes included in my monthly tariff.
There is a Firewall, Anti-Virus, Popup blocker, Privacy manager and Parental control. It is soon to be upgraded to strengthen it further.

I don’t have a specific concern just not that convinced about WiFi, so I tent to use it only when browsing. But when on EBay or online banking or anything sensitive I use my PC with a wired connection only. There are times though when it would be more convenient to use the laptop and therefore WiFi, I just need convincing its save.

Patrick

[Ian]

Thanks for your input Stephen but Ian is correct it’s just my WiFi I worry about and thank you Ian for the link I have downloaded the software and will let you know how I get on.
My regular security is the one supplied by Blueyonder and appears to be very effective. With the package I subscribe too comes included in my monthly tariff.
There is a Firewall, Anti-Virus, Popup blocker, Privacy manager and Parental control. It is soon to be upgraded to strengthen it further.

I don’t have a specific concern just not that convinced about WiFi, so I tent to use it only when browsing. But when on EBay or online banking or anything sensitive I use my PC with a wired connection only. There are times though when it would be more convenient to use the laptop and therefore WiFi, I just need convincing its save.

Patrick

It's very safe as long as your WEP or WPA is configured correctly - WPA is really a very tough protocol to crack; supercomputers would find it difficult. The main issue with WEP is that if your encryption key is discovered by someone else (itself unlikely) they might be able to gain access. WPA removes that 'weakness'. On top of that, when making online orders there is an additional layer of security encryption (https).

Ian

[Patrick]

It's very safe as long as your WEP or WPA is configured correctly - WPA is really a very tough protocol to crack; supercomputers would find it difficult. The main issue with WEP is that if your encryption key is discovered by someone else (itself unlikely) they might be able to gain access. WPA removes that 'weakness'. On top of that, when making online orders there is an additional layer of security encryption (https).

Ian

Thanks again Ian you have just put your finger on what I am attempting to sort out. The Odyssey software supplied with the computer appears to be contradictory.:confused:

If I click on security (a key symbol) it has encrypted highlighted but does not indicate which type. However if I survey airways the result say’s it’s unencrypted.:confused: :confused:

The site you found for me is too advanced for my knowledge of computers at least in this area, and seems more concerned with intranet than internet.:(

Patrick

PS. What the hell is Wikis:o

[Ian]

If your wireless router is set up for secure connections, your PC would not have the option of connecting without secuirty - the setup of the wireless connection of the router is determining factor.

I'd let Windows do the wireless connection management at the computer end - it will warn you if it is an un-secured connection.

A wiki is a website that lets its visitors edit and create pages. Wikipedia (http://wikipedia.org) is an example of a huge, encyclopaedic wiki.

Ian

[Patrick]

If your wireless router is set up for secure connections, your PC would not have the option of connecting without secuirty - the setup of the wireless connection of the router is determining factor.

I'd let Windows do the wireless connection management at the computer end - it will warn you if it is an un-secured connection.

A wiki is a website that lets its visitors edit and create pages. Wikipedia (http://wikipedia.org) is an example of a huge, encyclopaedic wiki.

Ian

Got it sorted and secured, many thanks for the advise.

Patrick

[Patrick]

Got it sorted and secured, many thanks for the advise.

Patrick

Sorry to be a nuisance with this problem, thought it was sorted.

Every thing worked fine for a couple of days, until the network symbol showed the red cross to say it wasn’t connected but I am still able to use it with a strong signal, until it chooses to disconnect from my secure setup and reconnects to another unsecured setuo called kevs-net (I didn't make this setup) with a low but usable signal. I presume this to be an unsecured wireless router belonging to someone else nearby.
Any ideas

Patrick