If I use wireless internet, does that mean that other people might have access to the information I send?

Question

Just wondering. I was thinking about buying something online and I was afraid that someone might get access to my credit card number. Is this possible? My regular, ethernet connection is not working.

FYI... the wireless is a University-wide system.

Answer 1

If you use the proper encryption you should not have to worry. This information should help you in setting up your Wi-Fi so it is secure.

Most wireless routers are configured through your Internet browser. So you must connect your wireless router to a computer.

Type your router's IP address into your browser's address bar. You can find the IP address in your router's manual. You'll be prompted for a user name and password. These will also be listed in your manual.

You want to use WPA2 (Wi-Fi Protected Access) encryption to protect your network. You'll typically see this setting as WPA-PSK (pre-shared key). You'll be prompted to enter a password of eight to 63 characters--letters, numbers and symbols. The router will use the password to build an encryption key.

WPA2 is the latest and safest version of WPA. The only weak point of WPA2 is your password. So make it as strong as possible. Here is a tip that will help.

http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/privacy/password.mspx

http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/privacy/password_checker.mspx

Your router may use WPA, the forerunner to WPA2. If so, be sure your password has at least 21 characters.

The earliest security standard is WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy). Don't use that; it is easily broken. Check the router manufacturer's site for updates. If there aren't any, don't use the router to go online.

Now you must update your computers. Click Start>>Control Panel. Double-click Network Connections. Right-click Wireless Network Connection. Select Properties from the pop-up menu and select the Wireless Networks tab. You should see your network listed under "Preferred networks." Select it and click Properties. If it's not listed, click the Add button. In the box labeled "Network name (SSID)," enter your network's name.

Under Network Authentication, select WPA-PSK. Select AES under "Data encryption." Under "Network key," enter the same password you used for your router. You must enter it twice to confirm it. Make sure "The key is provided for me automatically" is not checked. Click OK>>OK.

Answer 2

Yes, it does mean that's possible. However, it's very unlikely that someone near you has the know-how.

You can encrypt your wireless connection using WEP by setting a 128-bit key and turning the SSID broadcast off. There is a ton of info all over the net on this.

Keep in mind, however, that even with WEP or WPA turned on, there are advanced ways of stripping a wireless packet of data. It's still possible for someone to steal data from an encrypted packet. Wired connections are the safest, no doubt. Even so, don't let that discourage you. The chance of someone being nearby that can hack your network is slim-to-none. Just be sure to flip on WEP at the very least.

Answer 3

i dont think so. Data Hacking attack can be possible in ethernet. if you are using wireless internet from some responsible they must have security plan for your connection.

Answer 4

As long as your pass-phrase is encrypted and you have a good firewall like zonealarm which is free,then you should be fine.