wireless network + online banking....

Hi from a complete networking newbie. I now have a laptop with a wireless card and looking to network my desktop and laptop via a router. From what I understand, wireless networking is not secure. Does this mean I can no longer do online banking and purchases?

In addition, if I have my desktop hardwired (sorry don't know the correct terminology) to a wireless router and my laptop wirelessely connected...would I still be in danger of buying on line or having data intercepted if I use my desktop? Even if my laptop is off...doesn't the router always send out a wireless frequency? Thanks for all your help.

-E

 

Wireless networks are generally not secure, that is true. However, almost all internet banking and purchase transactions are SSL encrypted. (IE puts the little picture of a lock in the bottom right when you are on an encrypted link). So generally speaking, there is encryption and your financial information isn't just floating around where anyone driving by the a laptop can see it. SSL encryption can be broken but it requires a lot of work. Are you more at risk with a wireless network? Absolutely. That said, I think most people overhype the true level of risk. As I sometimes tell clients, bank robbers don't stand outside a bank and rob customers as they go in and out, they go for the vault. The same principle applies here. If someone is sophisticated enough to break SSL encryption, they likely aren't sitting outside your home for hours at a time breaking all the encryption and hoping you will eventually decide to go shopping so they will have one credit card number. Odds are that someone with those skills is instead trying to break into a server somewhere and get a couple of thousand credit card numbers.

As for your second question, as long as your Access Point has routing or bridging functionality (and 99.9% of them) then they "learn" where things are on the network and do not broadcast to the laptop information that is going between your desktop and the Internet.

 

Yes the risk is small, but the truth is, many bank/credit card company don't actually use SSL, right up front. Here is what I mean. They do offer an login section at the homepage for ease of use, but at the same time, that login at the homepage isn't SSL encrypted unless the user dig around to see where the actual login page w/ SSL is. BTW, almost all SSL web are start w/ https:// and not http://
<blockquote id='quote'> quote:<hr height='1' noshade id='quote'>Originally posted by jchastain

 

Thanks for your replies. While I'm at it, might as well ask what wireless router you recommend. I've been looking into the many different ones they have. Some are good with security, others with signal strength, others with ease of installation etc.

Any one in particular you like (preferable one that's easy to configure the security settings like encryption). Thanks again.

 

I really like Netgear, more for their support than anything else.

Editor in Chief http://www.bargainPDA.com and http://www.SPOTstop.com

 

the analogy for router company and notebook company, Netgear is kidna like fujitsu, while cisco is like IBM. I'm just talking about ADSL router in particular, of couse, router in general, netgear is uncomparable to cisco or 3com.
<blockquote id='quote'> quote:<hr height='1' noshade id='quote'>Originally posted by Brian

 

I like Linksys, Netgear, and D-Link (in that order) for inexpensive wireless routers. Take out the wireless component and I switch the order of the first two.

 

Thanks again for the replies...

I'm starting to look at the Linksys Wireless-G (WRT54GS). If anyone thinks that it's not a good wireless router, please let me know. So far many reviews are in favor of it.

 

BTW, I still prefer banging offline. It feel much better, and less hussle.

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EC99SS,
I have HP ZX5000 notebook and yesterday I bought from BestBuy “Linksys Wireless G (WRT54G) router”, installation with their CD was easy just follow up the on screen info and in 5 min I was up and running. I asked RoadRunner to install router and they said they will charge monthly $9 dollars. So I spend at BestBuy $79.99 and I solve my router problem.
Look like you I want to buy same router with “SpeedBooster” (WRT54GS) model but salesman said “your notebook card can handle up to 54Mbps speed” so he change my mind. If I’m not mistaken BestBuy web site “Product Features” says the same things.
Linksys Wireless Router Model (WRT54G) Speed and Signal strength info:
If I use my notebook in the same room Speed: 54Mbps Signal: excellent
If I go to next room 10 feet away Speed: 48Mbps Signal: very good
If I go to living room 25 feet away Speed: 48Mpbs Signal: very good
If I go to porch 40 feet away Speed: 24Mpbs Signal: good
I hope this info will help