Go Back   Tech Support Forum > Networking Forum > Security and Firewalls

        
Join Tech Support Forum Today

Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread


Old 08-23-2011, 10:01 PM   #1
Registered Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 3
OS: Windows 7 SP1


Wireless Access Control

Hi all

I have a question regarding wireless access control.

What is the best method to allow only certain users access to your wireless network?

The users mustnt be able to share details that will allow other users to access the network.

Currently Im using mac address filtering and i give the users the network key. I know this isn't a very safe method, but it's the only one i can think of that meets my needs.

Ideas would be much appreciated.

Thanks

__________________
Calvinholloway is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-24-2011, 12:57 PM   #2
TSF Enthusiast
 
Phou's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2011
Location: USA-RI
Posts: 607
OS: Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit


Re: Wireless Access Control

Using RADIUS or captive portal. WPA Enterprise allows you to use a server for the person to enter a user name & password, that's mainly with RADIUS server. While captive portal can do the same thing but instead usually redirect the user to a web site that requires the person to enter a user name & password. Of course both requires expensive router or third-party firmware.

MAC address filtering might keep out the usual people, so it's not a bad idea to have enable because share keys, well like the name apply can be compromised easily.

Reason why MAC address filtering doesn't work against a hacker is because it's to easy to sniff and find out, then spoof (changing one's own MAC address).

Share key like WEP 64 or 128Bit are to easy to crack, WPA or WPA2 is the only strongest recommended for home user, it's only weakness is dictionary attack. That's why you use password that are complicated and not in the dictionary or commonly use password but it's weakness is simple, it is a share key and anyone who knows it can leak it.

There is no method you prevent a person from sharing his or her password unless you force a strict policy that will have the user change password all the time.

__________________
Phou is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-25-2011, 04:00 PM   #3
2xg
Team Manager, Networking Forums, Microsoft MVP
 
2xg's Avatar

Microsoft Most Valuable Professional
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: SoCal
Posts: 19,162
OS: Windows O/S'es


Re: Wireless Access Control

Hello,

An old Article but a good reading:
The six dumbest ways to secure a wireless LAN | ZDNet
Quote:
Currently Im using mac address filtering and i give the users the network key. I know this isn't a very safe method, but it's the only one i can think of that meets my needs.
__________________
Microsoft MVP 2011-2013 Windows Expert Consumer
Networking Articles & Tutorials
2xg is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is on
Smilies are on
[IMG] code is on
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
[SOLVED] Linksys Wireless router connected but no access to the internet deliab28 Networking Support 10 12-24-2011 03:29 AM
Home Setup help regarding wireless access points roguesk Networking Support 1 07-28-2011 04:27 AM
[SOLVED] Rootkit problem: hidden boot sector. Raygumm Resolved HJT Threads 60 07-03-2011 09:07 PM
how to password protect my wireless access point brock17 Networking Support 1 05-16-2011 10:42 AM
Problem with E-mail attaching stuff GenghisTron Virus/Trojan/Spyware Help 21 01-21-2011 06:55 AM

Post a Question




All times are GMT -7. The time now is 07:52 AM.


Copyright 2001 - 2012, Tech Support Forum

Windows 7 - Windows XP - Windows Vista - Trojan Removal - Spyware Removal - Virus Removal - Networking - Security