GSM phones use encrypted technology that enables secure voice and data transfer during calls. GSM technology uses an algorithm to ensure the authenticity of the caller and the integrity of the channel, even when you are roaming in a foreign country.The most interesting, and potentially contentious area of wireless security is that concerning wireless LANs or Wi-Fi networks, these are fast becoming the connection method of choice. Wireless signals do not recognize corporate or geographical boundaries and are only limited by the propagation configuration of the network. Even in an office environment you will find small areas or “blind spots” where the coverage is very weak or non-existent.
So, it is possible for the random surfer to “happen upon” on someone else’s network. How can one protect against this happening? Wireless local area networks use spread-spectrum technology – a technique that makes the radio signals difficult to intercept. Most Wi-Fi systems also include a form of user logon and password protection. Of course, the spread spectrum signals can be intercepted with a relatively simple wireless card and many networks do not properly set up the password feature and will allow ready access to anyone. The fact that “employees” have to go through some form of physical security before they can access the network only adds to the notion that wireless networks may not be as secure as equipment manufacturers would have us believe. The problem with wireless security is essentially a technical issue with the way the signals are encrypted.
The original wireless LANs (WLANs) used the Wireless Encryption Protocol (WEP). This was then replaced in late 2002 with the Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA). Essentially, WPA offered improved data encryption through the use of temporal key integrity protocol (TKIP). The TKIP feature scrambles the keys using a hashing algorithm and ensures that the keys have not been tampered with. WEP only uses a static key that is seldom changed by users. This cryptographic weakness caused many of the security breaches in WLANs because intruders could, with relative ease, generate an encryption key and access a wireless network. While WPA offers enhanced security features over WEP, not all industry observers are completely satisfied. A recent problem was highlighted with WPA concerning the use of poorly chosen passwords for a network. Criminals intent on compromising a WLAN can use simple dictionary software to overcome the system password.
In fairness, this weakness only manifests itself when short, text-based keys are used and does not signify a fault in the WPA protocol. WLAN manufacturers can circumvent this problem by incorporating the ability to generate random keys across the network and putting in place user requirements concerning the length and style of passwords. Microsoft responded to this potential threat by providing a Windows XP download that alters the way the operating systems communicates with the Wi-Fi network – using separately generated keys for each system user rather than one, albeit encrypted, key for the network connection
By: Kamlesh Patel
Posts Tagged ‘Wireless Signals’
Wireless Security GSM – LAN and Wi-Fi Networks
April 29th, 2010How to Convert a Desktop Computer to WiFi
February 11th, 2010
WiFi or wireless fidelity connection makes internet connection a lot more convenient. In this way, you can connect more computer to a wireless connection to anywhere in the house. The process is fairly easy as long as you have the right tools to use.
You need to make your desktop computer wireless ready first. While you can connect to a wireless router using an Ethernet cable, it is still better to connect using wireless signals as this is really the whole point of the process.
Unfortunately, most Desktop PCs are not yet wireless ready. If your computer belongs to them, you can purchase wireless card and install it in your mother board the same way you will install a memory card.
The next thing you need to do is to purchase a competent wireless router. This usually costs less than a hundred dollars for a decent brand. Once you have these ready, do the following steps:
Step 1: Place your router on an area where it can transmit signal to every part of the house easily. This should be next to your DSL or wireless internet adapter. If you are using DSL, you can remove the Ethernet connection that connects the modem to your desktop. Connect one end to the modem and the other end at the back port of the router.
Step 2: Now that your desktop is wireless ready, it should be able to pick up signals once you turn on the computer, router and modem. Turn the modem first and then the router and then your computer. Allow the router and modem to process the connection first.
Step 3: Do some configurations to your wifi connection. Log on to the IP address of your router settings, input password and username and then change SSID settings and password settings to make it more secure. Now that you have wireless connection, other computers can enter your local area connection.
Step 4: Save the changes you made and then click log off router settings. You can connect as many computers as you can. As long as it is wireless ready, it will already pick up signal. Just input the router password to the other computers and you should be able to connect to the computer.
Just follow these steps in converting your desktop PC into a computer that is wireless ready. Be able to experience the benefits of connecting and communicating with other computers without the cumbersome and restricting cables and wires.
By: Alan Cassidy
How Does Wi-Fi Work on a Desktop?
February 7th, 2010
Wi-Fi internet connection is now one of the leading connectivity used by many consumers all over the world. It dispenses the need for a telephone cable or jack. It uses a wireless adapter instead and plugged at the LAN port at the back of your desktop computer.
This is short for Wireless Fidelity. The devices using this technology all follow strict standards that should conform to IEEE 802.11. These devices were under the eye of the Wi-Fi Alliance which is an organization that pushes wireless technology. They are the ones who see to it that all wireless devices are in good quality and standards.
Most laptops today are enabled to have Wi-Fi access. Video game consoles, cell phones and many more are also enabled to receive signal from this technology. As for a desktop computer, your desktop computer needs to be wireless ready. Most desktops used today do not have wireless card. You may need to install wireless card first just like how you would install memory or video card.
Once it is ready to track wireless signals, it can connect to the internet as long as it is within the range of the Wi-Fi network. Some internet providers have adapters that you just attach at the back LAN slot of your computer. This can also be connected to a router to transmit signal to more than one computer and to allow those other computers to communicate and connect with each other.
However, this technology can allow this to happen even without a router’s access point. Experts call it “ad-hoc”. This is a type of transmission technology very famous and commonly used in PDA devices and gaming consoles like Nintendo DS. It is not yet famous for desktops though so for such a need, an access point is still necessary.
There is, however, a new technology pushed by the Wi-Fi alliance. It still pushes the lack of access point but will still enable you to transfer files and media. This is through the use of an inventive security methodology.
It is little wonder why this internet technology has been climbing to the niche it is currently. It proves to be more convenient to use that those internet connections that still need external modems to be able to hook up to the internet.
You should seriously consider using Wireless Fidelity connection for your desktop computer for more convenient file sharing and internet connecting.
By: Alan Cassidy
