technical solutions and commentary

Running NetStumbler on a laptop when driving out of downtown Chicago on September 9th, showed interesting statistics when it come to Wireless security. This short experiment shows detected wireless networks using a standard laptop with an integrated wireless card. While many networks where detected, an alarming number appeared to be unsecured. While we did not attempt a connection to any of these unsecured networks to check if the connection would be accepted, it shows that the simplicity of installing consumer wireless network devices increases the need for better automated wireless security in these devices.

While consumer router/firewall/wireless devices are being installed by users, many likely see reference to Internet “firewall” and incorrectly assume they have a secure network. While these devices may have a firewall to somewhat defend the broadband connection, these devices do not “firewall” the default wireless connection which may be the biggest security hole in their network. This really shows the need for a local software firewall on the PC’s, such as the Windows XP SP2 built-in firewall and the updated 2-way firewall in Windows Vista.

Here are some of the statistics:

WAP Drive – Chicago | Total Distance: 11.5 Miles

[Start: Ohio & Michigan Ave to I-290W] [End: I-290W @ Des Plains Ave Exit]

Total Wireless Networks Detected: 467 [40.61 per mile]

Networks Encrypted: 322

Networks Unencrypted: 145

Wireless Networks – AP-based: 439

Wireless Networks – Peer-based: 28

Wireless 11g Compatible: 305

Broadcasting on channel:

1. 72
2. 2
3. 12
4. 7
5. 8
6. 219 (default)
7. 4
8. 7
9. 20
10. 20
11. 96

Networks using the SSID “Default”: 11

Networks using the SSID “Linksys”: 21

Networks using the SSID “NetGear”: 3