Cisco Systems WMA11B manual Active Attacks, Dictionary-Building or Table Attacks

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Wireless-B Media Adapter

Active Attacks

Hackers use Active Attacks for three purposes: 1) stealing data, 2) using your network, and 3) modifying your network so it's easier to hack in the next time.

In an Active Attack, the hacker has gained access to all of your network settings (SSID, WEP keys, etc.) and is in your network. Once in your wireless network, the hacker has access to all open resources and transmitted data on the network. In addition, if the wireless network’s access point is connected to a switch, the hacker will also have access to data in the wired network.

Further, spammers can use your Internet connection and your ISP’s mail server to send tens of thousands of e- mails from your network without your knowledge.

Lastly, the hacker could make hacking into your network even easier by changing or removing safeguards such as MAC address filters and WEP encryption. He can even steal passwords and user names for the next time he wants to hack in.

Dictionary-Building or Table Attacks

Dictionary-building, or Table attacks, is a method of gaining network settings (SSID, WEP keys, etc.) by analyzing about a day's worth of network traffic, mostly in the case of business networks. Over time, the hacker can build up a table of network data and be able to decrypt all of your wireless transmissions. This type of attack is more effective with networks that transmit more data, such as businesses.

Man-in-the-Middle Attacks

A hacker doesn’t need to log into your network as a user—he can appear as one of the network’s own access points, setting himself up as the man-in-the-middle. To do this, the hacker simply needs to rig an access point with your network’s settings and send out a stronger signal that your access point. In this way, some of your network's PCs may associate with this rogue access point, not knowing the difference, and may begin sending data through it and to this hacker.

The trade-off for the convenience and flexibility wireless networking provides is the possibility of being hacked into through one of the methods described here. With wireless networks, even with WEP encryption, open to the persistent hacker, how can you protect your data? The following section will tell you how to do just that.

Maximizing Wireless Security

Security experts will all tell you the same thing: Nothing is guaranteed. No technology is secure by itself. An unfortunate axiom is that building the better mousetrap can often create a better mouse. This is why, in the

Appendix B: Wireless Security

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What Are The Risks?

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Contents 802 GHz .11b Wireless- B How to Use this Guide Copyright and TrademarksTable of Contents Appendix C Planning Your Use of the Wireless-B Media Adapter For Setup List of FiguresUnplug the Power Figure E-1 XP Default Interface Introduction WelcomeWhat’s in this Guide? Wireless-B Media Adapter Back Panel Power Ssid your wireless network’s name Remote Controller Connection to a Wired Network for Setup OverviewConnect the Power Setting up the Wireless-B Media Adapter Running the Setup WizardWindows Installer Screen License Agreement Screen Connection for Setup Screen 10 Connection after Setup Screen 12 Basic Wireless Settings Screen 13 Wireless Security Settings Screen Using the Adapter Utility Using the Utility’s Icon in Your PC’s System TrayUsing the Start Menu Media Folder ManagerMove the Adapter and its power adapter to the TV InstructionsConnecting to Your TV and Stereo Connecting to Your TV Only Connecting the Adapter to Your NetworkPlacement Options Vertical PositionUsing the TV Setup Installing the Adapter Utility10 Microsoft .NET Framework Package Screen Setting up the Adapter from Your TV 12 Select Music and Pictures Folders Screen14 Media Adapter Setup Using the Media Navigator Music MenusChoose Music All SongsNow Playing How to Play MusicMusic Options Choose Pictures Pictures MenuNow Showing How to Start a Slideshow with Music Picture OptionsHelp 12 Help ScreenAppendix a Troubleshooting Common Problems and SolutionsPicture won’t change on the TV Frequently Asked Questions What types of picture files can I show with the Adapter?What types of playlist files can I use with the Adapter? Can I play music from a CD using the Adapter? Brief Overview Appendix B Wireless SecurityWhat Are The Risks? Passive Attacks Jamming AttacksDictionary-Building or Table Attacks Maximizing Wireless SecurityActive Attacks Man-in-the-Middle AttacksWireless-B Media Adapter Ssid Wireless-B Media Adapter WEP Encryption Using the Adapter as Part of Your Wireless Network Using the Adapter as Part of Your Wired NetworkAppendix D Creating a Playlist Appendix E Setting a Static IP Address on Your PC Figure E-1 XP Default InterfaceFigure E-5 IP Address Click the OK button again to exit Shared Resources Appendix F Windows HelpNetwork Neighborhood/My Network Places Appendix G Glossary Wireless-B Media Adapter Wireless-B Media Adapter Wireless-B Media Adapter Wireless-B Media Adapter Wireless-B Media Adapter Appendix H Specifications Standards Ieee 802.11b, Ieee 802.3, Ieee 802.3u PortsStorage Temp Power External, 5V DC, 2.0 a CertificationsOperating Temp Operating HumidityAppendix I Warranty Information Limited WarrantyAppendix J Regulatory Information FCC StatementIndustry Canada Canada Wireless-B Media Adapter Chapter K Contact Information