External Software to Hide SSID broadcast?

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SifaP

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Nov 16, 2013
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Hello

I recently got a new housemate who has been using my internet. I live in Uganda and have to buy data by the GB, so monthly I spend about £40 on internet which is a crazy amount of cash. For comparison sake, she pays £70 a month for her rent, so it really is a lot of money.
I want to hide the network broadcast (yes, i've changed the name and password and pretended that its a mobile phone hotspot, but the strength of the signal gives away that lie) so that she can't see it but my router (INFORMARK MOBILE ROUTER) does not have that option.
Any third party software that I can use? Please help... :(
 
Solution
ex_bubblehead
Not only is hiding the SSID useless as a security measure, it's a violation of the 802.11 RFC (which requires that the SSID be broadcast). The only reason the ability to hide exists is that one or more manufacturers added it to their feature list in order to sell more product. Equipment that strictly adheres to the RFC will refuse to connect to a hidden SSID. If you want security then do as indicated above, switch to WPA2 and use a strong passphrase. Even better is WPA2 backed by a RADIUS server.

http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/28653/
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allennnn

allennnn

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Nov 25, 2012
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Hiding the ssid is useless, wpa2 ? Long random password? 'tn2GbDYJ567hfd8re' ? Turn off wps, turn the signal strength down if you can or use a wire as last resort.

Line the wall or a card board box behind it with tin foil. :D
 
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ex_bubblehead

ex_bubblehead

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Aug 24, 2012
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Not only is hiding the SSID useless as a security measure, it's a violation of the 802.11 RFC (which requires that the SSID be broadcast). The only reason the ability to hide exists is that one or more manufacturers added it to their feature list in order to sell more product. Equipment that strictly adheres to the RFC will refuse to connect to a hidden SSID. If you want security then do as indicated above, switch to WPA2 and use a strong passphrase. Even better is WPA2 backed by a RADIUS server.

http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/28653/
 
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Solution
S

SifaP

Honorable
Nov 16, 2013
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10,510
Thanks guys. Again, security is not the issue. Cost is. I just want to hide the stupid thing so she thinks I have no data credit and therefore doesn't beg to use the router without giving money towards it. From what you've said; can I infer that such a thing is no longer available (AT ALL?!?) due to some no doubt necessary but annoying laws?
 
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bill001g

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Aug 9, 2012
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Are you sure you are changing the proper password. It is not the password to administer the device it is the password on the wireless encryption. There is no "userid" when it comes to the data encryption only a key or password. If you use WPA or WPA2 and even a fairly complex password it is not possible for a non government entity to break these.

What is strange is they use infomark routers on CLEAR in the USA. These routers on the same screen you change the keys/passwords for the wireless encryption it has a option to disable the SSID broadcast.

It is highly unlikely there are any laws that say you must broadcast your SSID. The standard is used mostly to confirm that a product will operate with other products. The more important one are the ones showing you meet things like FCC government rules which are related to frequency and power output. As long as you do not violate these laws related to radio transmissions they could care less if the device actually works.

You really should be fine to set the router to use WPA2 and a complex key/password and leave it broadcast the SSID.
 
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