With Wireless Networks if you dont broadcast your SSID does that mean....?

Question

you are100% completely safe.
If you Do not broadcast your SSID AND you have WPA enabled?

Or is there still a way for people to try getting into your system?

Answer 1

Most wireless access points (APs) and routers automatically transmit their network name (SSID) into open air at regular intervals (every few seconds). This feature of Wi-Fi network protocols is intended to allow clients to dynamically discover and roam between WLANs.
However, this feature also makes it easier for hackers to break into your home network. Because SSIDs are not encrypted or otherwise scrambled, it becomes easy to grab one by snooping the WLAN looking for SSID broadcast messages coming from the router or AP. Knowing your SSID brings hackers one step closer to a successful intrusion.

In a home Wi-Fi network, roaming is largely unnecessary and the SSID broadcast feature serves no useful purpose. You should disable this feature to improve the security of your WLAN. Once your wireless clients are manually configured with the right SSID, they no longer require these broadcast messages.

Answer 2

:) I think your friends is a bit, whats the word? Paranoid? I use my last name as my SSID, have been for 3 years, and guess what? No one has broken into my home. Of course that would be bad to, because Glock 19 would have something to say about that, but thats besides the point. I mean who DOESN'T have a computer? Name it whatever you want, its really not that big of a deal, honestly you could name your SSID "Yahoo Answers." Now who would look cool on the block? You my friend. You could even go as far as "hiding" the SSID but that can be somewhat annoying after a well having to type it in manually when you connect wirelessly.

Answer 3

If you are blocking SSID and running WPA it is very difficult for someone to steal your connection unless they know the SSID and the WPA key. Make sure the key is difficult and not something like "letmein"

You can get software to monitor your system or check the logs on your router if you are wondering about extra users. One other step would be to enable MAC filtering and only allow your machines!

Now if one of your computers gets a trojan on it...you are still at risk of someone using your system. So keep a good virus scanner.

Answer 4

No.. Hidden SSID is not 100% completely safe at all.
Even many newbie script kiddies can get you hidden SSID within minutes. You may broadcast SSID and I personally suggest that you do that so your authorized users knows what AP they are accessing. You should at least enable WPA-PSK with strong passpharse for the latest security on Wireless LAN todays.

Answer 5

No. It just means you're not waving a flag that says, "Steal me!"

For instance, anyone that already knows your SSID can still get on. I also suspect that good hackers can locate networks by watching messages going around.

But it keeps out rude neighbors.

Answer 6

Nothing is not 100% safe but it will help also I would suggest using encryption.