abanerji
join:2006-08-02
|  Security for new connection
I have been using a regular wired DSL broadband modem in my Compaq laptop. Planning to buy a new USB wireless modem. Am a bit confused about the security issues which may have to be addressed now.
My current OS/security setup is as below :-
a) Win-XP SP2 (completely patched, vetted by Secunia)
b) AVG AV/AS free 8.5
c) ZA firewall free 7.0.483
d) Sundry utilities/protection software : Ccleaner, Spywareblaster
e) Safe browsing habit
I have been reading about WEP and WPA, but have not understood fully whether these would be applicable for my new USB wireless modem. I don't ever intend to use any wifi / hotspot.
What more do I need to do please?
Thanks, |
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nwrickert
sand groper
Premium,MVM
join:2004-09-04
Geneva, IL
 ·AT&T U-Verse
 ·AT&T Midwest
| I am not sure that I understand the question.
If you are planning to connect to the modem by USB, then presumably you won't be using wireless. So just turn off the wireless in the dsl modem settings, and you should be fine.
If your modem is for connecting to a Wireless ISP, then presumable the ISP takes care of security on the wireless network. Again, there should not be any special concerns.
If you plan on running a WiFi network, then you need to setup WPA.
--
AT&T dsl; Speedstream 5100b modem; Zyxel NBG334W router; openSuSE 11.0; firefox 3.0.13 |
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abanerji
join:2006-08-02
| Thank you. I have little knowledge about wireless / wifi technology, and am sorry if I couldn't convey my query and the facts properly.
The new USB modem is a "data card" being sold by the ISP. The only reason why I am taking it is because I will be travelling. As I understand, this modem will "wirelessly" connect to the ISP's local tower.
My existing DSL modem connects to the ISP through cable only, and there's no wireless element in this.
I don't intend to connect to any wifi / hotspot ever.
So, do I still need WPA? If so, how is it to be setup?
Thanks again, |
|
nwrickert
sand groper
Premium,MVM
join:2004-09-04
Geneva, IL
·AT&T U-Verse
·AT&T Midwest
| Okay.
You will be using a cell phone data network.
There are no particular problems with that. No, you don't have to use WPA. You USB will have some built in authentication to allow it connect to your ISP.
Just use and enjoy.
--
AT&T dsl; Speedstream 5100b modem; Zyxel NBG334W router; openSuSE 11.0; firefox 3.0.13 |
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docrice
join:2008-03-31
Fremont, CA
| reply to abanerji
The term "wireless" tends to be loosely used but up to now it's been practice to commonly refer to Wi-Fi (802.11-based) networks. This is different from becoming-common 3G / 4G / WiMAX networks which are driven by large carrier (Verizon, AT&T, etc.) offerings and they use different signaling protocol structures. These days, it'd be better for all if we started clarifying which "wireless network" we're talking about.
I don't know much about carrier networks, but typical Wi-Fi scanners don't have the native ability to peek into 3G communication streams. I'm sure someone out there is or has devised software for it, but I haven't seen it yet.
There's also a 3G forum on this site you can check out if you're curious about security in this context. |
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