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Securing a Wireless Home Network, Part I

Posted by Jim Doherty, Neil Anderson
February 07, 2007

Tags: Access, Eavesdropping, Home Network, Network, Network Systems Design, Network Systems DesignLine, Omnidirectional, Securing A Wireless Network, Security, Wireless, Wireless Network Basics, Home Network Security Simplified, Home Networking, Mobile Hardware, Mobile and Wireless, Other, WLAN, Wireless

Channel: Other, Wireless

Here are Parts II through VI:
Part II, Part III, Part IV, and Part V, and Part VI

It is pretty likely that you are currently (or will soon be) using a wireless networking device in your home. Wireless is great for all the flexibility it affords when it comes to setting up a home network, and it is cool when you want to surf the web or check e-mail when you are on the deck, or couchor toilet (like you've never done it).

Wireless is affordable, flexible, and easy to install, and in general we highly recommend it. The problem is that to make it easy to install the manufacturers turnoff most if not all the security features so that it connects easily out of the box. In fairness, most of the manufacturers we have looked at do have quick-start guides that show how to enable security, but as we demonstrate in this chapter many people just don't bother. This could be an expensive mistake if you consider what it costs to repair your credit history.

Why should I care about wireless network security?
Access to a wired network is easy to control because people have to be physically inside your house to plug a computer into the router. With a wireless network, people just have to be in the proximity of your house. Physical barriers such as windows and doors do not control access in this case, so we have to take other steps to block intruders.

The security issue with a wireless network stems from the fact that the signal is omnidirectional. Unlike a wired network, where signals are fairly well contained, the wireless signal goes everywhere in all directions (including up and down for those of you in multistory buildings) for 300 feet or more. Anyone who wants to gain access to your signal need only put a receiver (a computer with a wireless card) inside the signal range.

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