Wireless Security... Am I doing it right.

Pls bear with me, I'm a wireless n00b.
Ok I'm using a Netgear D834DG with a pipex broadband connection and my PB with Airport Exreme.
In the airport menu, there are other networks available (presumably from the flats around me).
I have set up something called 'WPA-PSK (Wi-Fi Protected Access Pre-Shared Key)' which asks for a password if someone wants to connect to my network.
But it doesn't ask me.
Is the WPA thing the right method, and how can I be sure that my network is protected?
hope that's clear.
thanks

If the non-Apple wireless router you are using only supports WEP, then you haven't much choice (other than to replace the wireless router). 128-bit WEP isn't bad - it still would take a very dedicated hacker a half hour or so to break your security - and few wireless hackers bother to go to that amount of trouble.

Similar Messages

What wireless security does my iBook support?

I have a D-Link 624 wireless router, with upgraded firmware and running plain 802.11 B/G (no turbo). No problem connecting with WPA2 Personal using my Macbook or my son's Macbook Pro (though both have frequent loss of internet connectivity, which may be a problem others have reported with recent versions of OS X).
However we have not been able to get a wireless connection using PowerPC laptops -- a 2005 PowerBook 12", and a 2001 white iBook 700 MHz.
All these Macs are running OS X 10.4.10.
The PowerBook came with an Airport card that supports 802.11g, and ought to support WPA2. It sees the correct security type and lets me enter the password. If I enter a wrong password that is reported. If I enter the right password I get that less than helpful message that there was an error connecting. Retries do not help. It works fine with other wireless networks.
The iBook supports only the older 802.11b, as far as I know. When I select the home network (which at the moment is broadcasting its SSID), it comes up asking for a WEP password. I can select WPA2 and enter a password, but if I do I get a message that suggests that the router does not support that kind of security.
I really do not want to downgrade my wireless security to WEP. The latest exploits apparently allow breaking it in a minute or so. I'm pretty sure that I remember getting a friend's PC to work with WPA (not WPA2) using 802.11b, though it required both new drivers and an OS patch.
Is there any hope of getting the old iBook to connect using any version of WPA? Any hints on tricks to make the much newer PowerBook work?

Try downgrading to 10.4.8 or 10.4.9 or earlier version of Tiger. Airport connectivity problems have been often reported problem with 10.4.10.
How to Perform an Archive and Install
1. Be sure to use Disk Utility first to repair the disk before performing the Archive and Install.
Repairing the Hard Drive and Permissions
Boot from your OS X Installer disc. After the installer loads select your language and click on the Continue button. When the menu bar appears select Disk Utility from the Installer menu (Utilities menu for Tiger.) After DU loads select your hard drive entry (mfgr.'s ID and drive size) from the the left side list. In the DU status area you will see an entry for the S.M.A.R.T. status of the hard drive. If it does not say "Verified" then the hard drive is failing or failed. (SMART status is not reported on external Firewire or USB drives.) If the drive is "Verified" then select your OS X volume from the list on the left (sub-entry below the drive entry,) click on the First Aid tab, then click on the Repair Disk button. If DU reports any errors that have been fixed, then re-run Repair Disk until no errors are reported. If no errors are reported, then quit DU and return to the installer.
If DU reports errors it cannot fix, then you will need Disk Warrior (4.0 for Tiger) and/or TechTool Pro (4.5.2 for Tiger) to repair the drive. If you don't have either of them or if neither of them can fix the drive, then you will need to reformat the drive and reinstall OS X.
2. Do not proceed with an Archive and Install if DU reports errors it cannot fix. In that case use Disk Warrior and/or TechTool Pro to repair the hard drive. If neither can repair the drive, then you will have to erase the drive and reinstall from scratch.
3. Boot from your OS X Installer disc. After the installer loads select your language and click on the Continue button. When you reach the screen to select a destination drive click once on the destination drive then click on the Option button. Select the Archive and Install option. You have an option to preserve users and network preferences. Only select this option if you are sure you have no corrupted files in your user accounts. Otherwise leave this option unchecked. Click on the OK button and continue with the OS X Installation.
4. Upon completion of the Archive and Install you will have a Previous System Folder in the root directory. You should retain the PSF until you are sure you do not need to manually transfer any items from the PSF to your newly installed system.
5. After moving any items you want to keep from the PSF you should delete it. You can back it up if you prefer, but you must delete it from the hard drive.
6. You can now download a Combo Updater directly from Apple's download site to update your new system to the desired version as well as install any security or other updates. You can also do this using Software Update.
Message was edited by: Kappy

Wireless Security - DOES NOT WORK?

My problem: AEBS works fine UNLESS I use any Wireless Security. If I set security to WEP, WPA/WPA2 Personal, or WPA2 Personal then the following occurs:
-- the AEBS DOES NOT appear as a base station in AirPort Utility
-- the Wireless Network DOES appear as an available Wireless Connection in the Menu Bar
-- I CAN connect to the wireless network but no internet connection is available
-- I CANNOT alter settings of AEBS unless I connect through ethernet (or reset AEBS to factory default)
-- if I set Wireless Security to NONE then everything works fine
Here's my setup:
Airport Extreme Base Station:
-- Wireless Mode: Create a Wireless Network
-- Radio Mode: 802.11n (802.11 b/g compatible)
-- Channel: Automatic
-- Connection Sharing: Off (Bridge Mode) [I am connecting through a pre-existing router - only need the AEBS for 802.11n and disk sharing]
-- IPv6: Link-local only
MacBook Pro Core 2 Duo
-- AirPort Extreme Update 2007-001 installed
-- 802.11n enabler installed
Questions:
1. Any ideas on how to fix?
2. If this is a known bug - any idea how long until it is fixed? Am I expected to run without security until then (this is directed to Apple)?
3. Will a fix likely be via firmware update?
As a recent "switcher" so far I am majorly disappointed in this product.
Thanks for any insight.
MacBook Pro Mac OS X (10.4.8)

Sorry, I forgot to mention something else to try. Open Keychain Access, /Utilities/Keychain Access/, and delete the keychain for the wireless network. Then open System Preferences>Network and remove the wireless network from the Preferred networks list. Now try connecting again, you should be prompted for the wireless network password. Also, make sure that you are using the correct number of characters in your passwords. WEP doesn't seem to be picky about how many characters you use but WPA/WPA2 passwords must be between 8 and 63 ASCII characters.
Other than what I've mentioned above, sounds like you are setting everything up correctly and seeing as you have two Macs both exhibiting the same behaviour then I would definitely lay the blame squarely on the base station. If you're willing, the only other suggestion I have is to reset the base station to factory defaults, hold the reset button down for at least 5 seconds, and start again. Other than that, I would return it for exchange, if your willing to give another base station another chance.
Just so you know, my base station was set up in a matter of minutes and has worked flawlessly. So, they aren't all that bad.

Best Wireless Security Settings-WRT54G Linksys Router

I've been running into problems attempting to set the wireless security settings for my router and then trying to connect to the internet from my iBook. As long as I enable SSID broadcasting I can find my router but the problem starts when I enable the security settings. The iBook will then ask for the password and nothing I've inserted works??? I'm at a loss. I've given up, those sorts of brickwalls can do a number on your head--major headache this weekend..so I will try again tomorrow. I thought the passphrase is your password--the only thing that I haven't tried (after searching the forums here) is putting the $ in front. Does anyone have this particular router that can give me some suggestions (in basic, simple terms please) that can help me get started on a good security setup so that I won't be scared someone in the neighborhood (as I've read previously) is scanning and can log onto my internet connection. Thanks!
iBook G4 Mac OS X (10.4.5)

Why in heaven would you want WEP to secure your network when you can have WPA which is more secure and doesn't have this kind of problems???
With the right tools (available free on the net) you can crack almost any WEP protected network in less than a day (I have done this with my friends to prove them how weak WEP is).
So imagine you set your WEP protected network, a neighbor crack it and use it, all of this while you CAN'T use your own network.
You should try WPA, good luck...
BTW: I have the same router, with WPA and SSID broadcast disabled.
Message was edited by: CD5VS

WRT100 wireless security

Last week I bought the WRT100 router. It's kinda working (loss of signal and weak signal) so I'm not sure I want to monkey around with it but I was reading the user guide about wireless security and I am a little concerned. Should I attempt to change the security settings to WPA or WPA2 and MAC filtering? I'm not sure what this means but it sound like I need it not to get hacked. Also will any of this slow down my connection wired or wireless. Any suggestions.

Before you try to setup wireless security, you need to get your router working properly. Leave your wireless unsecured for now, until you can get it working properly.
1) If you connect a computer to the router, by ethernet wire, do you get a properly working Internet connection?
There are many causes for poor wireless connections, and many solutions:
First of all, give your network a unique SSID. Do not use "linksys". If you are using "linksys" you may be trying to connect to your neighbor's router. Also set "SSID Broadcast" to "enabled". This will help your computer find and lock on to your router's signal.
Poor wireless connections are often caused by radio interference from other 2.4 GHz devices. This includes wireless phones, wireless baby monitors, microwave ovens, wireless mice and keyboards, wireless speakers, and your neighbor's wireless network. In rare cases, Bluetooth devices can interfere. Even some 5+ GHz phones also use the 2.4 Ghz band. Unplug these devices, and see if that corrects your problem.
In your router, try a different channel. There are 11 channels in the 2.4 GHz band. Usually channel 1, 6, or 11 works best. Check out your neighbors, and see what channel they are using. Because the channels overlap one another, try to stay at least +5 or -5 channels from your strongest neighbors. For example, if you have a strong neighbor on channel 9, try any channel 1 through 4.
Also, try to locate the router about 4 to 6 feet above the floor, in an open area. Do not locate it behind your monitor or near other computer equipment or speakers. The antenna should be vertical.
Also, in the computer, go to your wireless software, and go to "Preferred Networks" (sometimes called "Profiles" ). There are probably a few networks listed. Delete any network named "linksys". Also delete any network that you do not recognize, or that you no longer use. If your current network is not listed, enter its info (SSID, encryption (if any), and key (if any) ). Then select your current network and make it your default network, and set it to automatic login. You may need to go to "settings" to do this, or you may need to right click on your network and select "Properties" or "settings".
If the above does not fix your problem, download and install the latest driver for your wireless card.
Some users have reported improved wireless performance by switching from WEP to WPA encryption.
If you continue to have problems, try the following:
For wireless g routers, try setting the "Transmission Rate" to 54 Mbps.
If you still have trouble, download and install the latest firmware for your router. After a firmware upgrade, you must reset the router to factory defaults, then setup the router again from scratch. If you saved a router configuration file, DO NOT use it.
Report back with your results. When you get your router working properly, we can proceed with setting up wireless security.

DSL and Wireless...something isn't right

Hi to everyone and I REALLY hope someone can help me (us)!
Long story short, I had my desktop and laptop connected to a Linksys Wireless Router WRT54G, using my DSL modem (no other high speed option available) and my son wanted to find the WEP key to hook up his XBox 360. In the process, he reset the router and we lost all our wireless connections. Well, danged my luck but I broke up with the IT guru who set it up for me in the first place....
I have tried to follow the support directions thru Linksys (we don't have a manual) and the computers are doing the weirdest things. For a day, they worked perfectly, then the laptop would work wirelessly if the internet connection was repaired each time, but the desktop had to be hardwired to the DSL ~ it won't see an wireless internet connection at all.
My site is not secured (don't think the cows have internet access) but I'd like it locked down and I need to get everything connected wirelessly if possible. We have a Wii I'd like to get wireless ~ it can see the internet connection but won't connect. I have been all over the internet trying to figure out why my router is acting the way it is and everything I've found says I'm setting it all up right.
Do I have a bad router? Sorry, I'm not usually this inept with computers but this is stumping me. I can navigate thru them, I can follow directions and can read but please help? I'll try not to be a total moron (I'm terminology deficient) if you can help.....

Try the below mentioned wireless settings.
Open an Internet Explorer browser page on your wired computer(desktop).In the address bar type 192.168.1.1 and press Enter...Leave Username blank & in Password use admin in lower case...
For Wireless Settings, please do the following : -
Click on the Wireless tab
- Wireless Network mode should be mixed...
- Provide a unique name in the Wireless Network Name (SSID) box in order to differentiate your network from your neighbors network...
- Set the Wireless channel to 11-2.462GHz...Wireless SSID broadcast should be Enabled and then click on Save Settings...
Please make a note of Wireless Network Name (SSID) as this is the Network Identifier...
For Wireless Security : -
Click on the Sub tab under Wireless > Wireless Security...
Change the Wireless security mode to WPA, For Encryption, select TKIP...For Passphrase input your desired WPA Key. For example , MySecretKey , This will serve as your network key whenever you connect to your wireless network. Do NOT give this key to anyone and remember the key.
NOTE : Passphrase should be more that 8 characters...
Click on Advanced Wireless Settings
Change the Beacon Interval to 75,Change the Fragmentation Threshold to 2304,Change the RTS Threshold to 2304 and Click on Save Settings...
Now see if you can locate your Wireless Network and attempt to connect...
This should fix the issue.

Connecting laptop to WRT350N and wireless security

Hi, I have the following problem. I need to connect a laptop to WRT350N router. Everything works OK if I do NOT use wireless security. If I use PSK (WAP) then at the Preferred Network screen I set the settings to WAP/PSK and enter the shared key. However, this setting is overruled again and again. I can not save it. If I select my network from the networklist, many times the laptop doesn't even ask for the shared key. And if it does then it acts as if I have installed WEP on the router (which isn't the case!). I use Windows XP Home. Does anyone know what the problem is and how to solve it? Many thank, JFX

I have a second laptop connected to the router which works ok with both the non-secured and the WAP/PSK-secured environment. The one that is not working is a Sony Vaio with LAN-express AS 802.111g card for which I have the latest driver installed. For the WRT350N also the latest firmware installed (WRT350N v2 firmware 2.016) JFX

Running WPA Wireless security w/ OSX 10.2

I am running an older G3 iBook on my wireless system and it does not seem to work with WPA wireless security. I am using a Netgear G614 router, which works fine except with the iBook. The iBook has no problem with the wireless security turned off and I would like to avoid using WEP, if possible. I posted this in the older OS sections with no response. Help!

I have a similar problem with which I've been struggling for months. My MacBook Pro suddenly stopped working with my home router - it showed as connected but would not browse.
I have eventually boiled it down to a problem with WPA security. Ethernet networking works, networking with WEP security and no security works, but WPA doesn't. This applies to any router, not just mine at home.
When it originally failed, my MacBook was running OS X 10.4.11. Rolling back to 10.4.9 and before removes the error, but 10.4.10, 10.4.11, 10.5.1 and 10.5.2 all exhibit this failure. The fault is not evident on my iMac G5 or my new iMac Intel, or on my daughter's XP PC.
Therefore, it is a combination of hardware and software issues. So don't expect a cure just by upgrading!
Does anyone have any ideas for a cure, please?
Stephen

WRT160nV3 wireless security repeatedly disabling

I have the WRT160nV3 and am having a problem with the wireless security. I set up the wireless security but everytime I notice the signal slows down or I get dropped I go to check it and it shows the security is disabled. Sometimes other people are there so I remove them, and ENABLE AGAIN. After that it seems to work fine.
I have had to do this multiple times. After Enabling I have saved the settings everytime but it happens all the time now. Does anyone have any insight? Your help would be greatly appreciated.

Hard reset the router by pressing the reset button for 30 seconds and release. Wait 10 seconds and power cycle the router. Connect via wired computer to 192.168.1.1 username blank, password 'admin' and reconfigure the router from scratch. Now check again.

Why or how could firefox change my proxy settings without me doing anything right in the middle of browsing the internet?

== Issue
==
I have another kind of problem with Firefox
== Description
==
While I was browsing the internet suddenly nothing would happen when I clicked a link. Upon closing and opening firefox and trying to load a web page it said "the proxy server is refusing connection. Firefox is configured to use a proxy server that is refusing connections."
I did manage to fix the problem by changing the proxy settings from manual to auto-detect but what disturbs me is how those settings could be changed without me doing so right in the middle of using the internet. I dont know if its a bug or a security issue but I thought I would let you guys know.
== This happened
==
Just once or twice
== In the middle of browsing the Internet
==
== Troubleshooting information
==
Application Basics
Name Firefox
Version 3.6.7
Profile Directory
Open Containing Folder
Installed Plugins
about:plugins
Build Configuration
about:buildconfig
Extensions
Name
Version
Enabled
ID
Exif Viewer 1.55 true [email protected]
Java Console 6.0.18 false
Java Quick Starter 1.0 false [email protected]
Microsoft .NET Framework Assistant 1.1 true {20a82645-c095-46ed-80e3-08825760534b}
FiddlerHook 2.2.8.2 false [email protected]
Torbutton 1.2.5 true
Modified Preferences
Name
Value
accessibility.typeaheadfind.flashBar 0
browser.places.importBookmarksHTML false
browser.places.smartBookmarksVersion 2
browser.startup.homepage www.google.ca
browser.startup.homepage_override.mstone rv:1.9.2.7
browser.tabs.warnOnClose false
extensions.lastAppVersion 3.6.7
general.useragent.extra.microsoftdotnet (.NET CLR 3.5.30729)
network.cookie.prefsMigrated true
network.security.ports.banned 8118,8123,9050,9051
places.last_vacuum 1279480436
privacy.cpd.cookies false
privacy.cpd.sessions false
privacy.sanitize.migrateFx3Prefs true
privacy.sanitize.timeSpan 0
security.warn_viewing_mixed false
== Firefox version
==
3.6.7
== Operating system
==
Windows XP
== User Agent
==
Mozilla/5.0 (Windows; U; Windows NT 5.1; en-US; rv:1.9.2.7) Gecko/20100713 Firefox/3.6.7 (.NET CLR 3.5.30729)
== Plugins installed
==
*-Adobe PDF Plug-In For Firefox and Netscape
*Default Plug-in
*Shockwave Flash 10.0 r42
*Windows Presentation Foundation (WPF) plug-in for Mozilla browsers
*Next Generation Java Plug-in 1.6.0_18 for Mozilla browsers
*Npdsplay dll
*DRM Store Netscape Plugin
*DRM Netscape Network Object

Calvin W.:
Your extensions list shows an enabled "Torbutton 1.2.5" extension, so it is possible that that extension is responsible for that change.

Wireless Security & Methods

Hi,
I've some experience on WLAN Networks, but I would like to have your opinion around Wireless Security implemenations.
We have several sites where we have some Cisco Access points running IOS. We are currently doing WEP 128b, with Mac-Authentication against a central ACS Server.
But having fixed WEP, and mac registrations is not very practical.
Do you know about any method to have authentication against Active Directory (passing through the Cisco ACS), and Dynamic WEP Keys ?
Any recommendation is welcome.
Of course with this we would like to bring up our level of security.
Thanks a lot for all,
Best Regards,
Jorge

An ACS server can be used to do authentication based on user logon to AD.
So it would only require a single login if your wireless adapter supports it.
You would just need to enable the wireless vlan to do 802.1x (EAP-FAST) authentication.
This document would answer some of your questions.
http://www.cisco.com/en/US/netsol/ns339/ns395/ns176/ns178/netqa09186a00802030dc.html

Wireless Security & Authentication methods

Hi,
I've some experience on WLAN Networks, but I would like to have your opinion around Wireless Security implemenations.
We have several sites where we have some Cisco Access points running IOS. We are currently doing WEP 128b, with Mac-Authentication against a central ACS Server.
But having fixed WEP, and mac registrations is not very practical.
Do you know about any method to have authentication against Active Directory (passing through the Cisco ACS), and Dynamic WEP Keys ?
Any recommendation is welcome.
Of course with this we would like to bring up our level of security.
Thanks a lot for all,
Best Regards,
Jorge

802.1x/EAP authentication is the most popular authentication method in wireless. The following documents explain how to configure EAP authentication.
http://www.cisco.com/en/US/products/hw/wireless/ps4570/products_configuration_example09186a00801bd035.shtml
http://www.cisco.com/en/US/products/hw/wireless/ps4570/products_configuration_example09186a00801c0912.shtml
http://www.cisco.com/en/US/products/sw/secursw/ps2086/products_configuration_example09186a00805e7a13.shtml

Wireless Security

Right now, I have no wireless security. If I were to have one, which setup/system would be the best of the choices offered in Airport utility? I noticed there are a number of networks(due to different names) in my area. How can I make sure, no one else other then my family members can use my network or maybe they can't even though I do not have a security setup? My daughter has been saying her network connection is slow. I have no problems-no slower or faster then usual. She thinks she is connected to another network. Is this possible? I have lowered the range of my network to #10 which is the lowest strength. I want to make sure no other person then members of my family can connect to our little, family network.

Use the strongest password security that you can. This means both choosing WPA2 (if your computers can support it) and a good strong passphrase. Since any decent OS (Mac, Windows or Linux) has something like the Keychain, it's not like you really need a passphrase you can easily remember...you'll never have to type it in (One written copy locked in you fireproof safe with you other important papers might be OK, though). Giving your network a unique name (SSID) doesn't hurt either, since it is used with the passphrase to generate the encryption key for the network. And make sure the router itself is also password protected - no point setting up all that security only to have some neighbour just reconfigure your router when you aren't looking.
Don't use WEP unless you have to (actually, given the choice between using WEP and upgrading my computer, I'd upgrade). It's broken and effectively no different from using no security at all. MAC address filtering and using closed networks similarly have no security benefits. There might be some administrative efficiencies to MAC address filtering, but no security benefits.
Set up WPA2, turn up the power on your router, make sure all the computers that are going to connect are set up with the passphrase (and maybe clear them of any other networks they remember) and you should be good to go.

HT1695 changed broadband providers when I type in Wireless Security Key (WPA) on my Ipod it comes up as Incorrect password and I cannot log in

I have changed broadband providers - when I type in their Wireless Security Key (WPA) into my Ipod it comes up - INCORRECT PASSWORD - I know it is case sensitive I am putting in numbers and capitals but does not work. Is there another Password I should be using ???

I have recently upgraded to Mountain Lion thinking that it might solve the problem but it hasn't worked.
It's possible your current os has different keychain troubleshooting solutions. Try re-posting (copy paste) over in the OS X Mountain Lion forum area and do a Knowledge Base search.
Have you tried setting up a new account to see if your issue appears there? If you have Apple Care, give them a call or take your computer to the nearest Apple Store or an AASP as you are still under warranty.

Error Message when trying to set up wireless security WRT160N

I recieved the following error message when I tried to set up my wireless security;"Exception has been thrown by the target of an invocation" What does this mean and how do I fix it?

If you are using LELA delete it from your computer. It is not needed. Connect viw your wired computer to 192.168.1.1 username blank password admin (or whatever you made it) and configure your router manually.

E4200 Wireless Security Question

I have an E4200 router in my home but the signal does not reach a room where I want to use a laptop. I have an older Viewsonic VS10407 that worked well with my old Linksys WRT54GS router. The Viewsonic is capable of WEP, WPA Pre-Shared Key and WPR Radius. I am using WPA2/WPA Mixed Mode on the E4200.
I want to use the Viewsonic on the same network and I also want the security scheme to work properly. How do I get the Viewsonic onto the E4200 network? How should I secure the Viewsonic signal? Should I use the same password?

You can configure the E4200 with WPA or WEP .
Open the setup page of your linksys router and configure the wireless security settings .
If you want to use WPA you can use the same password .
If you want to use WEP then the password should be from 0-9 or A-F .

Wireless Security... Am I doing it right.

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