Archived from groups: microsoft.public.windows.networking.wireless (
More info?)
Hi
Yeah, SSID is not a security feature.
Comparing to car, and stretching it a little
, it would like thinking that removing
the License Pate will prevent theft of the vehicle.
I my experience with many End Users it seems a psychological issue associated with the
List of available Wireless that appears on their WZC. The fear is elicit by the thought
that their Wireless is listed on some one else WCZ.
It is hard to explain to the technically challenged that the atmosphere around us is
real equal opportunity entity and does not discriminate between Signals. What ever is
transmitted is in the "Air" whether it is yours or some body else.
If it would be up to me, I would add an Entry onto WZC that would say:
Check here if you want to connected only to your SSID and not to see other available
Networks.
Kind of out of sight out of Fear.
Jack (MVP-Networking).
"N. Miller" <anonymous@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:6qjz308gq8bw$.dlg@discussions.microsoft.com...
> On Tue, 30 Aug 2005 21:33:01 -0700, GP1 wrote:
>
> > I suppose the bottom line is that in XP sp2, MS intentionally prevents
> > connection to APs that are not broadcasting ssid. The effectiveness of
> > turning off the broadcast seems to depend on personal preference.
>
> Effectiveness of turning off SSID? What kind of "effectiveness"? Whether it
> is enabled, or disabled, it is a matter of personal preference; unless
> disabling it breaks something, at which point preference is trumped by
> necessity.
>
> > Since my previous experience with other OSs (win95/98, ME, and various flavors
> > of Linix) all allowed me to connect to the non-ssid broadcasting AP, I thought
> > I missed something in the config. Aparrently not. It may not prevent "real"
> > hackers from getting into my network but this "feature" is like the auto
> > makers deciding they will no longer install door locks because a "real" thief
> > could smash the window or pick the lock. I'm not sure I understand (or agree
> > with) the strategy but now I know.
>
> SSID was never intended as a security feature, so comparing it with
> automobile door locks is a futile analogy. In WLAN technology, the security
> keys are the door locks; and WEP to WPA is sort of like a simple door latch
> to a regular key. If we must have analogies.
>
> --
> Norman
> ~Win dain a lotica, En vai tu ri, Si lo ta
> ~Fin dein a loluca, En dragu a sei lain
> ~Vi fa-ru les shutai am, En riga-lint