When i connect to a wireless network, how can I tell if it is a secure connection.?

Answer 1

when u connet it should ask for a passphrase or a wep key, if it doesnt changes are its not secure, also when scanning for wireless network it should say wpa secured, or wep secured.

Answer 2

The only way to really tell that it's secure is to set it up yourself and know every single configuration that has been made.

If you connect to a public, open wireless connection (such as coffee shops & restaurants, or just getting on someone's private network that hasn't been secured), you are exposed to anyone else who may be on that network. For example, it's possible to copy the cookies from one person's computer over the network and then log into a website using their information without ever actually knowing the password. These kinds of things are possible on unsecured networks where you don't know who else is using it.

On more secure networks that require credentials to log in (password, MAC address filtering, etc.) you can be somewhat sure that the network is safe, but unless you own and operate the network, it's nearly impossible to tell whether or not your activity is being monitored. For example, most universities and companies track your activity on the network and you will never know that it is happening.

I suppose it boils down to what you're doing (monitoring wouldn't really matter unless it's illegal), how concerned you are about your privacy (again, monitoring) and how much you trust the other people who are (or may be) on the same network as you.

Answer 3

Well if it is a PUBLIC wireless network, even if you have to have a key, you have no assurance of how secure it may be!
You have a secure wireless connection but unless you control the rest of the "network" you are only secure as the person running that network makes it! So know WHO manages the system to be safe.

If it is your wireless and you setup the key and then connect direct to an ISP you are fairly safe.

Answer 4

Most of us in the industry no longer consider WEP to be secure because it is fairly readily cracked with commonly available tools.

If you are not prompted for a WPA passphrase (the very first time you connect to it, you should not consider the wireless network to be secure.

Very few public WiFi networks are WPA secured because of support headaches - too many users mis-key the passphrase and then complain that the network "doesn't work".

Answer 5

when u connect it will ask for a password or a wep key, if it dose not it is not secure

Answer 6

it will ask for a WEP key...