Linksys WMCE54AG manual Security Threats Facing Wireless Networks

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Dual-Band Wireless A/G Media Center Extender

Security Threats Facing Wireless Networks

Wireless networks are easy to find. Hackers know that in order to join a wireless network, wireless networking products first listen for “beacon messages”. These messages can be easily decrypted and contain much of the network’s information, such as the network’s SSID (Service Set Identifier). Here are the steps you can take:

Change the administrator’s password regularly. With every wireless networking device you use, keep in mind that network settings (SSID, WEP keys, etc.) are stored in its firmware. Your network administrator is the only person who can change network settings. If a hacker gets a hold of the administrator’s password, he, too, can change those settings. So, make it harder for a hacker to get that information. Change the administrator’s password regularly.

SSID. There are several things to keep in mind about the SSID:

1.Disable Broadcast

2.Make it unique

3.Change it often

Most wireless networking devices will give you the option of broadcasting the SSID. While this option may be more convenient, it allows anyone to log into your wireless network. This includes hackers. So, don’t broadcast the SSID.

Wireless networking products come with a default SSID set by the factory. (The Linksys default SSID is “linksys”.) Hackers know these defaults and can check these against your network. Change your SSID to something unique and not something related to your company or the networking products you use.

26	Appendix B: Wireless Security
	Security Threats Facing Wireless Networks

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Contents Wireless A/ G Page Copyrights and Trademarks Dual-Band Wireless A/G Media Center Extender Table of Contents List of Figures Front PanelWhat’s in this Guide? IntroductionWelcome What’s in this Guide? Getting to Know the Media Center Extender Front PanelDual-Band Wireless A/G Media Center Extender Navigation Pad Back Panel ComponentsAudio Additional Components Remote Control FWDReplay Getting to Know the Media Center Extender Connecting the Media Center Extender Before You BeginInstructions for Connecting to a Wired Network Connect the Ethernet Network CableInstructions for Connecting the Extender Connect the Composite or S-Video CableConnect the Analog Audio Cables Plug the Extender’s power cord into an electrical outlet Dual-Band Wireless A/G Media Center Extender Setting up the Media Center Extender Insert the Setup CDSetting up the Media Center Extender Appendix a Troubleshooting Common Problems and SolutionsNeed to restore the Extender’s software image Dual-Band Wireless A/G Media Center Extender Frequently Asked Questions What version of Windows XP Media Center do I need?What is the Ieee 802.11g standard? What is infrastructure mode? Appendix B Wireless Security Security PrecautionsSecurity Threats Facing Wireless Networks Dual-Band Wireless A/G Media Center Extender Dual-Band Wireless A/G Media Center Extender Appendix C Updating the Extender’s Software Image Appendix C Updating the Extender’s Software Image Appendix D Windows Help TCP/IPAppendix D Windows Help Appendix E Glossary Appendix E Glossary Dual-Band Wireless A/G Media Center Extender Dual-Band Wireless A/G Media Center Extender Dual-Band Wireless A/G Media Center Extender Dual-Band Wireless A/G Media Center Extender Dual-Band Wireless A/G Media Center Extender Dual-Band Wireless A/G Media Center Extender Dual-Band Wireless A/G Media Center Extender Dual-Band Wireless A/G Media Center Extender Appendix F Specifications WMCE54GFCC, UL Appendix G Warranty Information Limited WarrantyAppendix G Warranty Information Appendix H Regulatory Information FCC StatementAppendix H Regulatory Information Appendix I Contact Information Appendix I Contact Information