Wifi Pirates Steal Wireless Connections

Those who are not well-versed in today's technology probably have not heard of wardriving or war chalking. The terms are associated with the practice of stealing unsecured wireless connections. This has been an issue since the introduction of wireless networks. In some instances bandwidth thieves use a Wifi finder device but most of the time they need do little more than drive into a neighborhood and use their laptops to find wireless networks in range.

Vulnerability of Wireless Networks

More and more individuals and companies are adopting wireless technology. Wireless networks offer total mobility especially for those who need access to the Internet anywhere, anytime. However, wireless networks are not as secure as their wired counterparts. For one, the lack of physical connections makes it easy for anyone who is knowledgeable to get in to the system.

Wireless routers can send a signal within a 150 feet radius and a maximum of 300 feet outdoors. Anyone who has a laptop with a wireless network card can easily detect a wireless connection if it is within the signal range. This is how most people gain free Internet access. With a few simple steps in Microsoft Windows' Network utilities, the wireless NIC can be made to search for active wireless connections within the area.

Lack of Security Measures by the Manufacturers

What makes it easier to tap into a wireless network is the wireless router itself. Most routers are still named as "default" or something obvious like "linksys." Users, especially home users, do not really bother changing the default settings. A more serious problem is that routers of the same model in the same product line may have the same 5 or 6 default WEP keys. Leaving the router at default is like leaving the wireless connection wide open. Very few routers default to security settings which must be manually configured by the user.

Effects on Businesses

Small businesses tend to use inexpensive routers like those used in homes, thus leaving themselves open to the same kind of security issues. Unless there is someone in the company knowledgeable in customizing wireless networks, data and confidential information may be compromised.

Continue to: Cracking Wireless Networks and its Vulnerability