Mac Address Filitering

[Darkgundam111]

So I have have wireless mac address filtering on to enable only the computers that i have specified to connect to the router, and I do not have encryption. My question is, is the wireless mac address filtering enough to protect me? or must I have encryption? I also read that encryption reduces speeds? is that true for Wireless G?

 

[Mussels]

encryption is a must. its fairly easy to spoof MAC addresses and bypass the filtering.

 

[kuroikenshi]

Also if you have to choose between TKIP or AES, pick AES since it has a stronger encryption mechanism that isn't so easily broken like TKIP.

 

[Darkgundam111]

I see. Guess I shall put it back on later. I'll check for AES, not sure if I have that or not. Thanks guys for the replies. Oh and whats the worst that can happen if someone was to get onto my wireless?

 

[Mussels]

I see. Guess I shall put it back on later. I'll check for AES, not sure if I have that or not. Thanks guys for the replies. Oh and whats the worst that can happen if someone was to get onto my wireless?

download off your internet, access any shared files, folders and printers you have, and potentially give you viruses.

as an example, if they went and downloaded child porn - you'd be the one legally responsible.

 

[Darkgundam111]

Oh wow thats pretty crazy, I will get on the encryption asap. Thanks Mussels for the quick info.

 

[Hybrid_theory]

They could potentially sniff information to pull down your credentials and do some identity theft. But thats a bit of a harder one since most credit card info goes over ssl.

Agreed put WPA2 with AES. just check all your wireless devices can connect. On a wrt54g i couldnt get devices to connect. but configuring it on this bell router, everything connects just fine.

WPA with tkip has been broken to the point of getting on it, but packets are still encrypted. so go aes and youll be fine for a long time.

 

[lemonadesoda]

So I have have wireless mac address filtering on to enable only the computers that i have specified to connect to the router, and I do not have encryption. My question is, is the wireless mac address filtering enough to protect me? or must I have encryption? I also read that encryption reduces speeds? is that true for Wireless G?

It all depends where you are and what data you have.

What is the risk? Are you worried about other people sniffing your packet flow? Encryption is a must. Are you worried about other people logging into your network "casually", ie. a relatively unsophisticated person looking for a hotspot, then MAC filtering is enough. Or somewhere in between?

Encryption tends to add overhead, taking more CPU resource, and also lower transfer rates.

If you live in the country where only an elderly neighbour or two can reach your wifi, and the data is not a national security issue, then MAC is enough.

If you live on-campus or in a city where tens or hundreds of people can see your wifi data, and your data includes password and bank account records, then AES.