Windows 7: If you have a wireless router read this..

It takes about 1 minute for any hacker to crack WEP encryption using tools freely available on the internet.. here's the proof:





DO NOT attempt this yourself.. Cracking someone else's wireless connection is illegal. I used my own router to demonstrate.. but the software works.
Instead, set up your router for wpa or wpa2 security, MAC access control and disable broadcasting the router name (SSID).
A skilled hacker, once in your home network, can wreak all kinds of havoc on your system.. monitor your internet activity, even crack your computer in minutes

Thanks for the tip..but how does one do that I have a simple Dlink..

open network and sharing center and click on manage wireless networks to see what kind of connection you have. If it's WPA or WPA2, it can still be cracked, but it's much more difficult, a matter of hours or more, depending on how good the hardware being used. first thing you should do is log into your router from a wired connection http://192.168.0.1.. D-Link default passwords ..if you haven't changed the default password already do so right away. there you will find all your settings. Go to wireless settings, check "enable hidden wireless", scroll down to security mode and select enable a wpa mode then create a strong password and save it.. here's a link to the example I used. D-LINK SYSTEMS, INC | WIRELESS ROUTER | SETUP It's different for every router

I have backtrack 4 on a live cd - great tool for penetration testers.

I have it on a bootable flash drive.. it comes in handy when someone doubts me when I'm trying to advise them about their own security.

I do agree with WPA/WPA2 part.

But, disabling SSID and MAC address control is kind a useless.

It will take same one more minute to crack both hidden SSID and MAC address.
Hell, I think you can do even with backtrack itself.

And if one thinks, it will give trouble to hacker and they will not bother with it. Don't be naive.
It will give more troubles to yourself than supposed hacker...

Both hidden SSID, and MAC address filter will cause more troubles to the user then "security" it will give.

EDIT: here, an old technet article.
Technet already dismissed this myth in 2007, But people still recommend it...
Myth vs. reality: Wireless SSIDs - Steve Riley on Security - Site Home - TechNet Blogs (it talks about MAC filter aswell)

EDIT2: another one form technet library: Non-broadcast Wireless Networks with Microsoft Windows (scroll down to Why Non-broadcast Networks are not a Security Feature)

EDIT3: now, from technet magazine: Security Watch: A guide to Wireless Security (scroll down to How Not to Secure a Wireless Network)

EDIT finished

good points..