[pchelpers] Wireless security

Hi folks,

Last week, I was copying data off of a server onto another computer.
While I was waiting for that, I, for some reason, decided to look at
the settings on the wireless router. To my surprise, I discovered that
there was no Pre-Shared Key (PSK). That meant that anyone nearby could
get into the network and suck network bandwidth and internet
bandwidth. That wasn't so bad; the bad part was that the server had
been set up with Simple File Sharing, which means no password needed.

I am not certain if I failed to set up security or if it had gotten
disabled. I don't recall if there was a key set up on the one
workstation or not. I suspect that it doesn't matter if there's a key
set up on the workstation or not, if there is none on the router; if
the router doesn't indicate that it needs a key, I think the
workstation will run just fine.

What does it mean if this is the case? It means that someone (got any
kids handy?) can press the button on the back of the router, and hold
it long enough to cause the router to reset to the default settings...
and everything will work just fine as is -- but with no security, and
no indication that there is now a problem. Keep this in mind when
setting up a network, especially if you use Simple File Sharing, or
have poor-or-no passwords on your shares.

-- 
Scott.



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