The answer to this is to use WPA (if possible WPA2) instead of
WEP. WPA encryption is considered fully secured. However like
virtually all security modalities, the weakness comes down to the
passphrase. A determined hacker can break into your network if your
WPA passphrase is weak. The longer the passphrase and the more
random it is, the better. Just jot it down somewhere if you think
you might forget about it.
Using mac filtering alone is useless, in fact using it or not
doesn't matter, MAC address can be easily spoofed. Of course, it
does keep those newbies out of your network.
Likewise disabling broadcasting of SSID, like MAC address
filtering, is only able to keep your average joe away from your
network.
Not securing your wireless network is a bad idea. Why?
Firstly, you surely wouldn't want people to use packet sniffer
(this kind of software can be easily downloaded from the net) to
start sniffing on what porn site you are watching or your sensitive
data (password/credit card number) you are sending across the
net.
Secondly, you wouldn't want your network to be misused by
unauthorised people (e.g. using your network to launch an
attack/bittorrent illegal stuff). Yes, you may say its not you who
did it, but its you who get into unnecessary trouble in
solving/clarifying issues.
Thirdly, surely you are not that kind-hearted to share your
internet bandwidth with someone who does not pay a part of your
internet bill.
Lastly, Man-in-the-Middle attack. Attackers make use of this
exploit by de-authenticates your computer and then masquerades as
the your access point/router you was connected to before. The new
AP/router then proxies the entire client's traffic through the
attacker's computer, reading everything you sends and
receives—including secure web pages.
There are much more to it but I'm not gonna trouble myself by
listing it out.
Yes, you may say 'Hey, I can't be that unlucky' but who knows,
your neighbour might be a pro hacker for all you know.
So you think securing your PC is enough? Think again.
When you think about it, securing your wifi isn't gonna stop a
hacker from attacking you. It frustrates him, but it won't
stop him.
As for the wireless man-in-the middle attack, can't really be
helped if someone really really really wants to see what you are
surfing. I saw some devices masquerading as [email protected]
before... bastards!
